New data and insight from Black Book shows where mainstream electric vehicles (EV) are feeling some of the heaviest depreciation curves, especially in comparison to their gas sister models. In some instances, the premium is +$20,000 difference between EV and gas sister model on new MSRP, however those same vehicles show the EV price at -$900 difference on a three-year-old used model.

Black Book editors looked at the prices of a new Nissan Leaf vs. Versa; a Mitsubishi i-MiEV vs. Lancer; Ford Focus Electric vs. Focus; and a Chevrolet Volt vs. Cruze. The electric car premium over a counterpart gasoline model for mainstream brands has pretty much disappeared for used vehicles from an average premium of $16,600 for new vehicles. In fact, in a couple of cases, a used electric model now cost less than their gasoline counterpart.

"On several of today's popular EV vehicles, the depreciation curve is very steep, largely driven by lack of consumer demand preferences for fuel-efficient models with current price of gas," said Anil Goyal, Vice President of Automotive Valuation and Analytics for Black Book. "Smaller cars have experienced heavier depreciation over the last 12-18 months, but it’s clear that the small mainstream electric vehicles are experiencing even heavier valuation drops."

Black Book® is best known in the automotive industry for providing timely, independent and accurate vehicle pricing information, and is available to industry-qualified users through online subscription products, mobile applications and licensing agreements. A leading provider since 1955, Black Book has continuously evolved to ensure that it achieves its goal of delivering mission-critical information to its customers, along with the insight necessary to successfully buy, sell, and lend. Black Book data is published daily by National Auto Research, a division of Hearst Business media, and the company maintains offices in Georgia, Florida, and Maryland.