Lotus Eletre value and depreciation
Known for chinese-built electric hyper suv.
Depreciation curve
We class the Lotus Eletre as a premium ev in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 50% after three years and 36% after five. Battery anxiety, charging doubts and seven-figure prices make premium EVs the steepest depreciators in the country. A few cult EVs beat this curve via overrides.
Retention table
| After | Retained |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 71% |
| 3 years | 50% |
| 5 years | 36% |
| 7 years | 26% |
| 10 years | 17% |
Estimates for a new purchase at list price; retail basis, trade-in ≈ 12% under retail.
Lotus's electric SUV era reached South Africa in 2025 with the Eletre, built in China under Geely ownership. The flagship Eletre R offers over 650 kW, and local media have tested it, though pricing is quoted on application. Expensive EVs move slowly in South Africa, so volumes are expected to stay tiny.
Eletre against its rivals
Lotus Eletre: common questions
Does the Lotus Eletre hold its value?
We class the Lotus Eletre as a premium ev in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 50% after three years and 36% after five. Battery anxiety, charging doubts and seven-figure prices make premium EVs the steepest depreciators in the country. A few cult EVs beat this curve via overrides.
Keep going
All figures are modelled estimates for planning, not offers or valuations. Data reviewed 2026.