Electric vehicles are becoming a normal occurrence in the Indian roads. As the prices of petrol are constantly increasing, due to a rise in climate awareness, the EVs (Electric Vehicles) are now more than a trend, an electric vehicle is the future. However, there is a big question that most people are posing before purchasing a unit.
What’s the resale value of electric cars in India ?
Previously, consumers were uncertain of the possibility of selling EVs after some years of its purchase. However, a lot is fast changing. We can simplify it, make it practical and helpful: use it to analyze the situation.
Why Resale Value Matters for EV Buyers
when you purchase a car you do not go into the mindset of how much it is costing; you will go into the mindset of how much will I be getting when I resell.
In the case of EV, resale value was grey. However, it has changed now owing to improved technology, increased battery guarantee, and increased demand, the resale market is getting thicker.
What Affects the Resale Value of EVs?
Here are the key factors that determine how much your electric car is worth when it’s time to sell:
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Battery life & warranty
The latest EVs are being bought with an 8-year battery cover, and that assures those buying a second hand unit.
Example: A 2022 Tata Nexon EV Max and a 30 thousand-kilometer odometer was recently listed at a price of 11.25 lakhs. The seller had more than 5+ years remaining on a battery warranty, and within a week also attracted multiple buyers!
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Popularity of Brand & Model
Automobiles of reputed companies such as Tata, MG, Hyundai, Mahindra are more likely to retain the value-that is, they are more likely to be sold at a faster rate because people have a fair share of trust on it and there are spares easily available.
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Charging Infrastructure
The resale of EV is much more acceptable in cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune, which have accessible charging stations.
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Range and in-life Performance
Customers are interested in much more range of EVs greater than 300 and up to 400 km. Such models as MG ZS EV or Hyundai Kona are good in this aspect.
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Government Subsidies
Subsidies on FAME II and state-level subsidies will help to make the first cost smaller and thus, more attractive to resale prices in the future.
Current State of Resale Value of Electric Cars in India (2025 Overview)
By 2025, resale of electric vehicles value in India varies because of the brand, battery health, and demand.
- EVs lose their value more quickly as compared to ICE (petrol/diesel) vehicles in the early years (about 25-40 percent loss in 3 years), but the difference is closing as more people turn to EVs.
- Better models resale- Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, and Hyundai Kona have more brand trust, and service networks creating an advantage in resale.
- The newer and more advanced Budget EVs (such as Tata Tiago EV, Citroen eC3) lose their value faster under the pressure of new hot models
Real Resale Examples from Indian EV Owners
Here are some actual resale stories from EV owners in India:
- Tata Nexon EV 2021 Model
- Bought at 15.5 lakh mumbai- Sold at 10.2 lakh mumbai 2024
- The end value was largely preserved with 66 % appreciation after 3 years
- MG ZS EV (2022 Model)
- Paid 21 lakh(after subsidy) to Buy in 2022 -Sell in 2025 at 16.8 lakh in Pune
- Kept nearly 80 % value: terrific on a used car!
- Hyundai kona electric model2021
- Purchased at 24.5 lakh and sold in the year 2025 at the rate of 17.5 lakh in Noida.
- That is ~71 % resale in 4 years!
EV vs Petrol Car: Which Has Better Resale?
| Feature | Electric Car (e.g., Nexon EV) | Petrol Car (e.g., Nexon Petrol) |
| New Car Price | ₹15 lakh | ₹12 lakh |
| 3-Year Resale Value | ₹10.5 lakh | ₹8.5 lakh |
| Value Retained | ~70% | ~70% |
| Running Cost (per km) | ₹0.90 | ₹3.50 |
Conclusion? Resale value is nearly equal, but EVs win on running cost savings!
Also Read This Amazing Article | Upcoming EV Cars in India 2025–2026: Complete List
Top Electric Cars in India with Strong Resale
Let’s look at some of the best performers in India’s second-hand EV market:
- Tata Nexon EV
- A low priced and reliable EV
- Can be re-sold with ease in metros as well as in Tier-2 cities
- 3-year resale value: 9.5L- 12L
- MG ZS EV
- Classy finish, great distance (~460km)
- Depreciates to 75-80 per cent Good in 3 years
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Excellent performance and construction
- 4 years resale price: 16-18 lacs
- Mahindra XUV400
- Younger in terms of market, but already well-valued
2 year onward resale is estimated to be Roughly around 1314 lakh (original price 17 lakh).
Used EV Market Trends in 2025
- Growing demand for affordable second-hand EVs (especially in cities with high fuel costs).
- Buyer confidence is being boosted by Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs from Tata, MG, and Mahindra.
- Online platforms (Spinny, Cars24, OLX) now have dedicated EV sections, making selling easier.
Why Do Electric Cars Lose Value Faster?
a) Battery Degradation Concerns
- The battery is the most expensive component (30-40% of the car’s cost).
- Buyers fear reduced range over time, impacting resale pricing.
- EVs coming with 8-year battery warranties, help retain some value.
b) Rapid Technological Advancements
- Newer EVs offer longer range, faster charging, and better features, making older models less desirable.
- For example, a 2022 Tata Nexon EV with 300 km range may struggle against a 2025 model with 400+ km range.
c) Government Subsidies & Falling New EV Prices
- FAME-II subsidies and state incentives reduce the upfront cost of new EVs, lowering demand for used ones.
- As battery costs drop, new EVs are becoming cheaper, affecting used EV prices.
How to Get a Better Resale Price for Your EV
Want to earn more when selling your EV? Here’s what you can do:
Take care of the battery
Avoid full discharges or always charging to 100%. Try to keep it between 20%–80%.
Keep service records
Buyers trust cars with a full service history. Battery health reports are a bonus!
Sell at the right time
Don’t wait too long. Resale is best before major model facelifts or policy changes.
Use trusted resale platforms
Sites like Spinny, Cars24, or Tata pre-owned programs give better resale quotes.
Expert Tips for Buying a Used EV in 2025
Check battery State of Health (SoH) – Should be above 80%.
Verification of remaining warranty – preferably 3+ years left on the battery.
Compare with new EV prices – Sometimes, discounts on new models make used EVs less attractive
Best Platforms to Sell Used EVs in India
- Spinny: trusted buyers, Offers certified battery reports,
- Cars24: Doorstep inspection, Instant quotes,
- OLX Autos: Direct buyer deals will find it very useful
- Tata/Mahindra Pre-Owned: Upcoming EV resale channels
Best Cities for EV Resale in India
EV resale demand is not the same across India. Cities that lead:
- Delhi NCR – All thanks to subsidies and charging point
- Bengaluru – Tech crowd = early EV adopters
- Pune & Mumbai – Corporate users, good EV infra
- Hyderabad – Growing EV charging network
Note: A Nexon EV sold in Delhi fetched ₹10.5L, while the same model in Bhopal got only ₹7.5L. Location matters!
What’s Next? Future of EV Resale in India
Things are getting even better for the used EV market:
- AI-based battery health tools will soon predict EV resale value better
- Standardized battery certification is being developed
- Used EV loans are now offered by more banks
- Certified pre-owned EV programs are coming from brands like Tata & Hyundai
EV Resale Value at a Glance (2025)
| EV Model | Price (New) | Avg. Resale (3–4 yrs) | Retained Value |
| Tata Nexon EV | ₹15L | ₹10.5L | ~70% |
| MG ZS EV | ₹22L | ₹16.5L | ~75% |
| Hyundai Kona EV | ₹25L | ₹17.5L | ~70% |
| Mahindra XUV400 | ₹17L | ₹13L | ~76% |
Challenges in Selling a Used EV
- No standardized battery health tests – buyers rely on guesswork.
- High battery replacement costs scare some buyers (though warranties help).
- Limited financing options – banks are still cautious about used EV loans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do the electricity cars hold their values in India?
Yes! There is also 70-75 % retention of popular EVs such as Nexon EV and ZS EV after 3 years.
- Does metro cities have a better resale value?
Absolutely. In metros, resale value is improved by demand and infrastructure.
- Will second-hand EV have battery life?
Yes, when it is within warrant period, and you look in the battery health certificate.
- Which EV is the best to resell?
In top ranking list, Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV as of 2025.
Final Thoughts
Do you have any resale story or tip to share? So, is it worth purchasing an EV in 2025 in the case you are going to sell it in the future?
Definitely yes. The used electric cars value in India has already became comparable to the petrol/diesel cars one and even higher. Throw in the savings in gas and repair bills and you have pretty good money argument in favor of going electric.
Pull it in comment box!