Market context Electric-car resale values are frequently described through a single percentage decline from the original list price. That approach can be misleading when grants, tax rules or major changes in new-car prices affect what the first owner actually paid. For businesses assessing used inventory, the relevant reference price must be explicit. What the latest data tells us Transport & Environment argued in a 2026 discussion that adjusting for market and policy factors narrows the apparent residual-value gap between BEVs and petrol vehicles. In its 2025 comparison, the difference shifted from 12.9 percentage points on an unadjusted basis to 7.7 percentage points after adjustment. This is an interpretation under a stated methodology, not a promise of future resale values. What buyers and sellers should watch The practical lesson is to distinguish list-price depreciation, owner cost of ownership and current wholesale value. A car may have lost a large fraction of its launch price yet still represent excellent value for a new buyer. Conversely, a cheap car can be expensive if battery condition, parts or registration create hidden costs. Implications for international trade For exporters, record transaction currency, vehicle age, mileage, initial specification and the applicable incentive regime. Quote current inspected value, not generalized discount percentages. When marketing used Chinese EVs abroad, be particularly clear about regional specification and whether manufacturer warranties can be honored by local dealers. Practical checklist for importers and dealers Confirm the exact model, model year, VIN, mileage and accident history. Document battery health, charging standards, onboard systems and warranty limitations. Check destination compliance, import duties, taxation and availability of parts. Price against verified local comparable units and calculate full landed cost. Key takeaway Residual-value comparisons require consistent treatment of initial acquisition cost and public subsidies. Buyers should avoid treating an unadjusted depreciation headline as a direct forecast for an individual used car.