Three electric vehicles have joined Europe's biggest loser's list

Alternative fuel vehicle sales are sluggish, despite market increases.

It’s sad fact of buying a mass market car. Once you’ve driven it off the lot, depreciation begins—some faster than others.

In Europe, three electric vehicles have joined a less-than-desirable list: the worst first-year depreciators. The Renault Fluence Z. E., Citroen C-Zero, and Nissan Leaf E have all lost more than three-quarters of their value after covering 12,000 miles and a year of ownership, according to automotive intelligence firm Glass’s Information Services.

As Glass’s notes, these three EVs are among the least attractive on the market. The Nissan Leaf E, for instance, is the lowest model available in the Leaf fleet. The Fluence, which was launched as part of a joint effort with defunct battery swap startup Better Place, was discontinued last year.

The presence of electric vehicles in the list does indicate that the sector remains sluggish, the company says.