Three electric vehicles (EV) were among the ten worst first year depreciators, according to vehicle data provider Glass’s.

Glass’s data found that the Renault Fluence, Citroen C-Zero and Nissan LEAF E all lost more than three-quarters of their value after covering 12,000 miles during the last 12 months.

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Rupert Pontin, head of valuations at Glass’s, said: "The motor trade and the used car buying public remain interested in electric cars but are still reticent to actually buy them in numbers – and these depreciation figures reflect that fact.

"To be fair, these three EVs are among some of the least attractive on the market – the Fluence and C-Zero both have a ‘last generation’ feel while the LEAF E is on the bottom rung of the LEAF range – but their presence does reflect the fact that the EV sector remains sluggish."

Other models in the ‘Bottom 10’ list include the lowest-powered, entry level versions of some generally popular but aging models such as the Vauxhall Insignia and Renault Megane.

Pointin explained: "There is very little enthusiasm in the market generally for poorly-equipped cars and if those cars are also becoming dated and have an older power unit, it really hits their prospects in the used market."

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However, Pontin said that these highly depreciating electric cars could represent excellent value for money in someone looking to buy a 12 month-old EV.

"It would be difficult to recommend a new Renault Fluence costing more than £22,000 but one that is around £5,000-£6,000 at 12 months old is arguably a good buy for someone looking to try EV motoring," said Pontin.

The ten worst vehicles for percentage of retained value after 12 month and 12,000 miles were:

1. Renault FLUENCE E Z.E. (95bhp) Expression+ saloon four door auto [27.21%]2. Vauxhall MERIVA 1.4 16v (99bhp) Expression MPV five door (2010 MY) [29.05%]3. Chevrolet CRUZE 1.4 (100ps) 4X4 LS station wagon five door 1398cc (2014 MY) [31.78%]4. Citroen C-ZERO E hatchback five door auto [32.07%]5. Nissan LEAF E hatchback five door auto [33.23%]6. Renault MEGANE 1.6 (100bhp) Extreme estate five door [33.26%]7. Vauxhall INSIGNIA 1.4i 16v Turbo (140ps) SRi saloon 4d 1364cc (2012.5 MY) [34.98%]8. Peugeot 207 SW 1.4 8v (75bhp) Access estate five door [35.62%]9. Chevrolet ORLANDO 1.4 Turbo (140ps) LS five door 1364cc (2014 MY) [35.96%]10. Peugeot 308 1.6VTi (120bhp) Access hatchback five door 1598cc (2013.5 MY) [36.04%]