Electric vehicle sales in the UAE are booming, but buyers are starting to ask tough questions: Which models actually hold their value? With dozens of new brands entering the market and resale values fluctuating, getting the wrong EV can mean serious losses just one year later. A sleek design or oversized touchscreen won’t matter much when no one wants to buy your car used. From charging specs to brand reputation, here’s what really makes an electric vehicle a smart investment in the Emirates.
In the UAE, most EV owners charge at home or work using AC power. That’s why AC charging speed is more important than fast DC charging, which is used mainly for road trips. Cars with single phase AC charging can take over 10 hours to fully charge, a serious inconvenience for daily drivers. This tech is quickly going out of style. Models like the Forthing S7 and Leapmotor C10 are examples of cars that risk steep depreciation simply because they lack three phase AC charging support, which is now standard in most new buildings and charging stations.
Definitely. Even though most UAE residents drive short distances day to day, they still expect their EV to go the distance on longer drives to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain or Sharjah without range anxiety. Cars that can’t manage at least 400 km on a single charge are getting phased out of both showrooms and trade-in programs. A model like the base Geely Geometry C used to offer under 400 km and is now struggling to hold value. Buyers know the hassle of looking for public chargers in hot weather or crowded areas and won’t risk it.
Yes. The UAE car market is full of new EV brands claiming to be premium or high tech, but without real-world sales or a lineup beyond one model, many don’t survive long. Cars like the Leapmotor T03, Forthing Friday, and JAC 30 were brought in under low-volume approvals and often skip certain safety features required in other global markets. These shortcuts can hurt resale value. Shoppers in the Emirates are showing a clear preference for established names with proven aftersales service and multiple models in their lineup.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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