Electric cars among worst first year depreciators

The Renault Fluence, Citroen C-Zero and Nissan LEAF E have all lost more than three-quarters of their value after covering 12,000 miles each during the last 12 months.

Rupert Pontin, head of valuations at Glass's, suggests that the reason electric cars have suffered poor results comes as a result of purchase patterns.

"The motor trade and the used car buying public remain interested in electric cars but are still reticent to actually buy them in numbers - and these depreciation figures reflect that fact," says Rupert Pontin.

"These three EV (electric vehicles) are among some of the least attractive on the market - the Fluence and C-Zero both have a 'last generation' feel while the LEAF E is on the bottom rung of the LEAF range - but their presence does reflect the fact that the EV sector remains sluggish."

Alongside the three electric cars were the Vauxhall Insignia and Renault Megane, of which Glass's claim to be the lowest-powered, entry level versions of popular but ageing models.

"There is very little enthusiasm in the market generally for poorly-equipped cars and if those cars are also becoming dated and have an older power unit, it really hits their prospects in the used market," explained Rupert Pontin.

Despite the lack of interest in this specific market, it is thought that these highly depreciating cars represent excellent value for money.

"It would be difficult to recommend a new Renault Fluence costing more than £22,000 but one that is around £5,000-£6,000 at 12 months old is arguably a good buy for someone looking to try EV motoring."

The full list of the "Bottom 10" depreciating cars of the first half of 2015 can be found below.

1. Renault FLUENCE E Z.E. (95bhp) Expressions+ saloon four door auto - 27.21%
2. Vauxhall MERIVA 1.4 16v (99bhp) Expression MPV five door (2010 MY) - 29.05%
3. Chevrolet CRUZE 1.4 (100ps) 4X4 LS station wagon five door 1398cc (2014 MY) - 31.78%
4. Citroen C-ZERO E hatchback five door auto - 32.07%
5. Nissan LEAF E hatchback five door auto - 33.23%
6. Renault MEGANE 1.6 (100bhp) Extreme estate five door - 33.26%
7. Vauxhall INSIGNIA 1.4i 16v Turbo (140ps) SRi saloon 4d 1364cc (2012.5 MY) - 34.98%
8. Peugeot 207 SW 1.4 8 v (75bhp) Access estate five door - 35.62%
9. Chevrolet ORLANDO 1.4 Turbo (140ps) LS five door 1364cc (2014 MY)
10. Peugeot 308 1.6VTi (120bhp) Access hatchback five door 1598cc (2013.5 MY) - 36.04%

Percentage retained value after 12 months/12,000 miles.