The automotive market is preparing for a major shift that could greatly benefit buyers. According to forecasts from the specialized portal Edmunds, in 2026 there will be a massive wave of vehicles returning from leases, including hundreds of thousands of low-mileage electric vehicles (EVs), well-equipped and priced much more attractively than current new models.
Far from signaling a failure for electric cars, this situation reveals a different mistake by the industry: betting on excessively high prices in an increasingly demanding economic context for consumers.
The problem wasn’t electric cars, but the prices
In recent years, the average price of new cars in the United States has soared to around $50,000, and electric vehicles have been even more expensive, especially after the disappearance of the $7,500 federal tax credit. Persistent inflation and high interest rates have drastically changed consumer perceptions.
More than ever, buyers are seeking real deals and good value for money, something the new car market can no longer always provide. This is where the market for used electric vehicles comes into play, which could have its golden moment in 2026.
A wave of lease returns in 2026
Edmunds estimates that around 400,000 additional leased vehicles will return to the market in 2026. This increase is due to the fact that, after a sharp drop in leasing in 2022, contracts began to recover in 2023, generating a much larger volume of returns.
Analysts point out that this situation will help fill a significant gap seen in 2025, when affordable nearly-new cars were scarce. The result will be a more flexible and competitive market, ideal for those who cannot or do not want to take on the high monthly payments of a new car.
Why there will be so many almost-new EVs
A key fact explains it all: approximately 71% of electric vehicles sold in recent years were leased. This was due to a peculiarity in the tax incentive system: while purchasing a car and obtaining the full credit required it to be manufactured in North America, leased EVs could benefit from the incentive regardless of origin.
Manufacturers took advantage of this to launch very aggressive leasing offers, which drove electric car adoption. Now, with two- and three-year contracts ending, all those vehicles will return to the market… and at a depreciated value.
Depreciation works in the buyer’s favor
The depreciation of EVs has been more pronounced than that of combustion cars, around 13% higher, partly due to historical uncertainty over battery condition. However, what was bad news for initial owners is becoming a great opportunity for used car buyers.
Today, it is already possible to find used EVs for under $30,000, with real ranges close to or over 300 miles, plenty of technology, and performance that surpasses many gasoline models.
Used electric models that will stand out
Some examples clearly illustrate this trend:
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Ford Mustang Mach-E: one of the most valued EVs on the market. 2023 Premium versions, with ranges between 290 and 306 miles and less than 30,000 miles driven, are priced under $29,000. Even the powerful GT version, with 480 hp, has dropped significantly in price.
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Kia EV6: a comfortable, fast family crossover with around 300 km of range, access to the Tesla Supercharger network via adapter, and one of the best charging speeds in its segment. It can now be found for about $27,000 in the used market.
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Tesla Model Y: still a reference. In the used market, it goes for around $29,000, offering plenty of space, efficiency, and direct access to the largest charging infrastructure.
And the battery? The big concern is no longer an issue
For those considering a used EV, the key question is usually: what about the battery? The answer is reassuring. Recent studies and real data show that modern batteries age much better than expected.
In a car with around 30,000 miles, it is very unlikely to see significant degradation. Even older Teslas have numerous cases with over 200,000 or 300,000 miles maintaining around 80% capacity, debunking many myths about durability.
An ideal market for informed buyers
Although the old tax credit of up to $4,000 for used EVs is no longer available, strong depreciation more than compensates for its absence. For those planning to change cars in the coming years, waiting until 2026 could be a very smart decision.
In this context, platforms specialized in buying and selling electric and nearly-new vehicles, such as affordable used electric cars
, become a key tool for comparing models, prices, and real market opportunities.
