AITO, Xiaomi, Li Auto Lead China NEV Residual Value Rankings in April

Takeaways by AI

AITO tops April NEV one-year retention at 82.7%, driven by strong M8 demand.
Xiaomi and Li Auto follow closely at 81.4% and 81.2%, keeping Chinese brands above Tesla.
Tesla slips to 80.9% as tight new-car supply and pricing reshape used-EV residuals.

On May 22, research firm LandRoads released its April 2026 report on residual values of new energy vehicle (NEV) brands.

In April, younger, high-demand models approaching one year of age entered the second-hand market, pushing overall brand retention higher.

AITO led with 82.7% one-year retention, driven by the M8 model, the only brand above 82% this month. Xiaomi followed at 81.4%, Li Auto at 81.2%. Tesla fell to 80.9%, placing fourth; ONVO ranked fifth at 80.7%.

A table displaying the April 2026 insurance retention rates for various EV brands, including AITO, Xiaomi, Li Xiang, and others. The data is compared across February, March, and April 2026, highlighting changes in retention rates. — China NEV Residual Value Rankings in April

All top five brands exceeded 80%, with minimal gaps. Chinese local brands collectively surpassed Tesla, intensifying competition in the high-end used EV segment.

Month-on-month, AITO rose for three consecutive months, from 74.7% in February to 82.7% in April, up 8 percentage points. Xiaomi rebounded nearly 6 points after a slight dip in March; Li Auto increased about 4 points. Tesla declined for two months, from 83.9% to 80.9%. ONVO slightly dropped by 0.2 percentage points.

Brand tiers emerged by residual value. AITO, Xiaomi, Li Auto, Tesla, and ONVO formed the top tier above 80%. BMW, Mercedes, and Fangchengbao sat in the second tier at 72%–78%. XPeng, Zeekr, and IM fell in the 71%–73% range. Stelato, Luxeed, and Voyah remained weaker due to low ownership, still in a growth phase.

Table of electric vehicle models with MSRP and used car prices in April 2026, including various brands and their specifications. — Prices of the those NEVs in this residual report

The Used-Car Value-for-Money Index highlighted market gaps. Li Auto, AITO, and ONVO posted low readings of 115%, 119%, and 119% – high retention kept price spreads narrow, limiting appeal for bargain-hunting buyers. Audi, Voyah, and IM showed higher indices; Audi hit 148%, signaling deeper discounts relative to new-car prices.

A chart comparing second-hand electric vehicle prices and insurance value retention rates for various brands from February to April 2026. — China’s used-car “value-for-mone” index ranking in April

Index differences reflected supply-demand dynamics. Tight new-car supply propped up used-car prices for top brands; inventory pressure and new-car discounts pulled down used-car values for others.

Overall, NEV residual value now hinges not just on brand strength but also on new-car pricing strategy and vehicle technology architecture.