New vs certified pre-owned electric: the real math

Depreciation is the EV market's open secret — and the smart buyer's opportunity. Two- and three-year-old electric models often sell for 40–55 percent of their original sticker, even with healthy batteries and years of warranty left.

Run the math on total cost, not just price. A certified pre-owned EV with a battery-health report, fresh tires, and a checked charging curve can cost half as much as new while delivering 90 percent of the experience. Electrics have no oil changes, no transmissions to fail, and brake pads that last 100,000 miles thanks to regeneration.

Buy new when you want the latest driver-assistance hardware, the longest range, and the full federal incentive. Buy certified pre-owned when you want maximum car per dollar. Either way, insist on a battery health certificate — we include one with every car on our lot.