A NORTH-EAST man says he wants to warn others of the depreciation suffered by electric cars after his own model lost £15,000 in 18 months.

Derek Longstaff, from Spennymoor, bought a 64-plate Nissan Leaf Tekna 18 months ago.

Mr Longstaff said he paid £30,000 for the car, bought from a Darlington garage, but received £5,000 back in a government grant.

The electric car has a range of around 100 miles, but the increasing success of Mr Longstaff’s business meant his mileage rates soon outstripped the car’s performance.

He decided to revert back to petrol and was offered just £10,000 for his car.

Mr Longstaff believes the rapid development of electric vehicle technology means cars are becoming obsolete incredibly quickly.

Mr Longstaff said: “I've seen the same model as mine is now on sale second-hand for just £11,999 but nobody wants it because all the new vehicles do much more mileage.

“It’s not about the money, I’ve lost that and there’s nothing I can do, but I want to warn others."

A spokesman for Nissan said: “We will see depreciation rates slow as the longevity and reliability of the battery technology becomes better understood and battery technology in new vehicles becomes more robust, offering motorists a longer range without compromising on the battery’s lifetime.

“Used Nissan LEAFs are actually a strong proposition for used car buyers."