With the UK’s 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles looming, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity. But as more buyers consider these eco-friendly options, one important question remains: Which holds its value better — a hybrid or an electric car? If you’re buying or selling, knowing the answer could protect your investment.
In this blog, we’ll explore current UK market trends and resale patterns to help you decide — and show you how tools like CheckCarValue.co.uk can assist with accurate car valuations and MOT check reports.
1. Understanding Residual Value: What It Means for UK Car Buyers
Residual value refers to how much your car is worth after a certain number of years, compared to its original price. It’s an essential consideration for:
- Private car owners who want to value my car before reselling
- Dealers evaluating part-exchange values
- Finance companies calculating lease or PCP agreements
EVs and hybrids can depreciate differently due to battery costs, brand perception, range concerns, and government incentives.
👉 Pro Tip: Before you buy or sell, always check car value online to understand your vehicle’s current worth based on live market data.
2. How Hybrid Cars Retain Their Value in the UK
Hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius or Honda Jazz Hybrid, and bicycles have been on the market longer than most EVs. This gives them an edge in the used market:
- Established reliability: Many hybrids are known for long-term dependability.
- Lower battery anxiety: Hybrids don’t rely solely on batteries, easing resale fears.
- Wider resale audience: Buyers switching from petrol often prefer hybrids over full EVs.
As of 2025, data from Auto Trader and CAP HPI shows that popular hybrid models retain around 55–65% of their value after three years — a solid figure compared to some EVs.
3. Electric Vehicles: Faster Depreciation, But the Gap Is Closing
Electric cars have had a mixed reputation when it comes to depreciation:
- Older EVs (2015–2020 models) saw rapid depreciation due to short ranges and outdated battery tech.
- Newer EVs like the Tesla Model 3 or Kia EV6 retain better value due to improved range and demand.
- Fleet exodus: A wave of ex-fleet EVs hitting the market in 2024 has slightly driven prices down.
However, the picture is changing. According to This Is Money, EVs that once lost up to 60% of value in three years now average closer to 45–55% — especially among premium and long-range models.
🔧 Tip: Combine a car valuation with an MOT check to ensure your EV is roadworthy and more appealing to second-hand buyers.
4. Factors That Influence Resale Value for Hybrids and EVs
Several factors affect how well either type of vehicle holds its value in the UK:
| Factor | Hybrid Vehicles | Electric Vehicles |
| Battery life | Less dependent | Crucial to value |
| Maintenance | Lower than petrol | Generally lower, but battery repairs are costly |
| Range | Not a concern | Critical for older EVs |
| Brand trust | Toyota, Lexus strong | Tesla, Hyundai growing |
| Charging network | Not required | Can deter resale in rural areas |
Even a clean MOT history can make a significant difference when selling. You can run a quick MOT check on your car through CheckCarValue before listing it for sale.
5. Should You Buy Hybrid or Electric If You Plan to Sell in 3–5 Years?
If you’re planning to resell in the short to medium term, here’s a breakdown:
Choose Hybrid if:
- You want wider buyer appeal
- You drive mainly in urban areas
- You prefer proven technology
Choose Electric if:
- You plan to keep the car longer than 5 years
- You live in areas with good charging infrastructure
- You’re buying newer models (2022 onwards) with longer range
Battery warranties and tech upgrades have significantly improved, making 2024–2025 EV models more attractive for resale. You can use our check car value tool to compare depreciation trends by model.
6. How to Accurately Value Your Car Before You Sell
Whether it’s a hybrid or EV, valuing your car correctly is essential to attract buyers and secure a fair price.
Here’s how:
- Use a trusted tool like CheckCarValue.co.uk
Simply enter your reg number and mileage to get an instant estimate.
- Get a full MOT check history
A clean MOT record boosts confidence for potential buyers.
- Compare with local listings
See what similar cars are selling for in your area.
- Factor in battery health
For EVs, buyers may request a battery condition report — include this if possible.
Final Thoughts
Both hybrid and electric vehicles have their pros and cons when it comes to resale value in the UK. While hybrids currently hold a slight edge due to reliability and wider acceptance, modern EVs are catching up quickly as battery tech and infrastructure improve.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious — make informed decisions with tools like CheckCarValue.co.uk, where you can instantly value my car, review your MOT check history, and stay ahead in a changing market.
