I spend a lot of my time talking to dealers, customers, and industry partners about where the car market is heading. One trend that’s impossible to ignore right now is the rapid rise in demand for used electric vehicles (EVs).

This isn’t a passing fad, it’s a genuine shift in how drivers think about their next car. And the data proves it. In fact, there’s never been a better time to consider going electric in the used market. Here’s why.

Used EV demand is skyrocketing

• In 2024, second-hand EV sales hit a new high, 188,382 units, marking a 57.4% rise year-on-year and capturing 2.5% of all used car sales in the UK¹&². That’s up from just 1.7% in 2023.
• The momentum continued in Q2 2025: used battery-electric vehicle (BEV) transactions surged 40% to 68,721 units, representing 3.4% of the used market³&⁴.
• In total, electrified second-hand vehicles, including hybrids and plug-in, now account for nearly one in 10 used car sales³&⁴.

It’s not just numbers, it’s real choice

What’s driving the boom? One game-changer: price parity. Used EVs now cost roughly the same, or even less, than their petrol cousins⁵. That means the amazing running-cost benefits of EVs are yours from day one.

It’s not only affordable. It’s fast too. Models like the Tesla 3 and Jaguar I-Pace were the fastest-selling used cars in July⁵. Proof that buyers are choosing EVs in droves.

Saving £1,600 a year with zero fuss

Beyond the upfront cost, EVs deliver huge savings on fuel and maintenance. The Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) estimates that the most popular EVs in 2024 saved their owners an average of £1,600 per year, compared to petrol equivalents⁵.

More confidence, less concern

• Battery reliability isn’t the worry it used to be; most batteries hold up well over time.
• Charging networks keep growing, making range anxiety a thing of the past.
• And once someone gets an EV, they’re often the first to tell friends and family: “Seriously, you’ve got to try this.” Word of mouth is doing real work here.

What this means for you

1. Perfect Timing – There’s never been a better moment to explore a used EV. Affordability, savings, and choice are aligning to make your switch a win.
2. Smart Value – Get the “new EV feel” at a used-car price. Lower running costs kick in from day one and last for years.
3. Confidence & Care – Buying a used EV today feels less like a leap of faith and more like joining a growing, savvy EV family.

EVs are here to stay

Used EV demand in the UK isn't a fleeting trend, it’s accelerating. Thanks to price parity, faster sales, and concrete savings, more people are switching every day. With the right new EV supply and charging infrastructure, this green wave is only going to grow.

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Sources

¹ SMMT – Demand for used EVs rises to record levels (Feb 2025)

² The Guardian – UK used electric vehicle sales hit record

³ Fleet World – Used car market bounces back to pre-pandemic levels

⁴ AM Online – EVs drive used car market to hit 4m milestone

⁵ ECIU – Tesla 3 and Jaguar I-Pace fastest-selling used cars

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