Chinese used EVs vs traditional petrol cars: comprehensive comparison of resale value, battery life, winter range, and maintenance costs

In 2024-2025, China's exports of new energy vehicles (NEVs) surpassed petrol cars for the first time. BYD, Zeekr, and Geely Geometry are rapidly gaining market share in Central Asia and Russia. Yet local dealers and individual buyers still struggle with the choice: a used EV or a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) car. This article compares six key dimensions to help you make a rational decision based on your actual usage scenario.

1. Resale value: petrol still leads, but the gap is narrowing

Resale value is a critical metric for long‑term ownership cost. For 3‑year‑old vehicles: Traditional petrol cars (Haval H6, Geely Bo Yue) retain 55-65% of their original value — mature engine/transmission tech, extensive service networks, stable demand. Used EVs (BYD Song Plus, Qin Plus EV) show wide variation: popular hybrids (DM-i) 50-60%, pure EVs 40-50%. Battery state of health (SoH) is the key factor — a SoH below 85% can halve the price. As charging infrastructure improves in the region, EV resale values are expected to rise gradually over the next 2-3 years.

2. Battery degradation and lifespan

A petrol engine can last 300,000-500,000 km (more after rebuild). A traction battery (LFP or NMC) typically delivers 1,500-3,000 cycles, equivalent to 300,000-600,000 km. However, in the cold climate of Central Asia and Russia, degradation accelerates: in regions with an average annual temperature below 5°C, capacity loss is about 2-3% per year, compared to 1-1.5% in temperate zones. Always request a battery SoH report when buying a used EV. If SoH is below 80%, remaining useful life may be less than 5 years, and battery replacement will cost 40-60% of the car's value.

3. Winter range and cold start performance (-20°C to -30°C)

This is the biggest concern for buyers in the region. Petrol cars: cold starts can be difficult, but using 0W oil, a pre‑heater (Webasto), and a powerful starter solves the issue; winter fuel consumption rises 10-20%. Pure EVs: at -20°C, range drops 30-40%; at -30°C, it can drop more than 50%. Cabin heating consumes extra energy, and charging time doubles. Plug‑in hybrids (PHEVs) offer a compromise: short trips on electricity, long trips on petrol. For users who regularly drive below -20°C, a petrol or hybrid vehicle is strongly recommended. For city short trips with indoor parking, a pure EV can still work.

4. Charging convenience vs fuelling convenience

Petrol stations are widely available across the region, even along major highways. DC fast chargers are currently concentrated in large cities (Moscow, Almaty, Tashkent) and some intercity routes. Rural areas and remote roads have very few charging points. For long‑haul drivers or those who frequently travel between regions, a petrol car remains the only reliable choice. If you drive only within the city and can charge from a standard 220V outlet (home or office), the running cost of an EV is extremely low.

5. Maintenance and repair costs

Petrol car: oil and filter changes every 5,000-10,000 km — annual maintenance $200‑500. As the car ages, costs for timing belts, spark plugs, transmission fluid, etc., add up. EV advantage: no engine, no conventional transmission, no exhaust system — no oil changes, spark plugs, belts. Annual service costs $50‑150 (mainly battery check, motor/inverter inspection, brake fluid, cabin filter). However, potential high‑cost repairs: battery module replacement ($2,000‑5,000), inverter repair ($800‑2,000). In Central Asia, qualified petrol engine mechanics are common; EV specialists are rare — consider this factor.

6. Energy costs

Based on 20,000 km/year: Petrol car (8 L/100 km, $0.9/L) — $1,440/year. EV (18 kWh/100 km, home electricity $0.05/kWh) — $180/year. Even using public fast chargers ($0.20/kWh) — $720/year, still far cheaper than petrol. Moreover, some countries (e.g., Uzbekistan) offer zero import duties on EVs, further lowering the initial purchase cost.

7. Decision guide

Short city commutes (<50 km/day): pure EV — extremely low running costs.
Mixed use (50-150 km/day): plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) — electric economy for short trips, petrol for longer journeys.
Long‑haul / cross‑regional transport: petrol only.
Very cold regions (winter <-20°C, no garage): petrol or hybrid.
Fleet with dedicated charging stations: pure EVs — lower long‑term costs and green image.

Conclusion: There is no universal “better” choice — it depends entirely on your usage scenario. If you have access to home charging, drive predictable daily distances, and can verify battery health (SoH), a used EV offers outstanding value. If you frequently drive long distances or live in an area with scarce charging infrastructure, a petrol car or hybrid is safer. Regardless of your choice, always obtain an independent third‑party inspection report (including battery health and accident history) before purchasing a used vehicle.