Used EV Sales Surge in Britain's Second-Hand Market
· outdoors
Electric Dreams Take Hold of Britain’s Used Car Market
The British used car market has found its spark, and electric vehicles are at the forefront. According to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), used EV sales have surged by 67% in the second quarter, accounting for a record 5.5% share of the market.
This increase is not just a one-time blip; it’s a result of more electric models reaching the used car market as cars originally bought or leased new are traded in. This expanded supply offers buyers a broader range of ages, sizes, and prices to choose from – a far cry from the limited selection seen just a few years ago.
Regular hybrids have also experienced significant growth, with sales rising by 31.2% to 130,825 units, lifting their share of the market from 5% to 6.5%. Plug-in hybrids, however, have struggled, with transactions falling by 6.8%.
Petrol and diesel cars still dominate the used car market, accounting for a staggering 86.7% of all transactions during the quarter. Petrol remains Britain’s favourite fuel type, despite a slight decline in sales.
As the used car market continues to recover from the pandemic-induced slump, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly important part of the mix. However, this growth comes with challenges. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes warns that “increasingly unrealistic targets in the new car market risk constraining supply and pushing up costs.” Regulatory reform is needed to ensure a smooth transition for all drivers.
The data also highlights a trend – superminis continue to rule the used market, accounting for 31.7% of all transactions. Dual-purpose cars, including SUVs, recorded the strongest growth, climbing by 7.4%. Buyers remain drawn to practicality and comfort, but with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, this trend may shift in the years to come.
Buyers have been conservative when it comes to colour – more than 1.1 million cars sold during the quarter were black, grey, or white, accounting for a whopping 56.5% of the market. This lack of adventurousness is not surprising, given the practical considerations of ownership. As electric vehicles become increasingly prominent in the used car market, we may see more daring choices emerge.
Policymakers and manufacturers must work together to ensure a smooth transition for all drivers as Britain’s used car market continues to grow and evolve. With EV sales on the rise and regulatory reform on the horizon, one thing is clear – electric dreams are taking hold of Britain’s used car market, and they’re here to stay.
As governments implement policies to support a low-carbon transition and manufacturers develop new electric models, it’s essential that we keep our eyes on the prize: creating a transportation system that is sustainable, equitable, and accessible for all.
Reader Views
- TTThe Trail Desk · editorial
The used EV surge is welcome news, but let's not get ahead of ourselves - regulatory reform isn't just about meeting carbon targets, it's also about creating a fair market for consumers. With supply chain issues and rising costs looming, the UK needs to balance its ambition with practicality. A one-size-fits-all approach could stifle competition and drive up prices for the very people who are supposed to benefit from this transition. We need to prioritize a gradual shift towards electric vehicles that doesn't penalize those on a budget or who can't yet make the switch.
- MTMarko T. · expedition guide
The used EV sales surge is a double-edged sword for buyers and manufacturers alike. On one hand, this increased supply gives consumers more options than ever before. However, I'm concerned that our addiction to unrealistic targets and regulatory overreach will strangle the market in its tracks. The real challenge lies not just in boosting electric adoption but also in incentivizing manufacturers to produce a wider range of affordable models. Until then, Britain's EV growth will remain a trickle, rather than a torrent.
- JHJess H. · thru-hiker
The EV revolution is finally hitting British used car sales, but let's not get too carried away – 5.5% of the market still means most buyers are choosing petrol or diesel. What's more worrying is that plug-in hybrids are tanking, which raises questions about their long-term viability and whether they're just a transitional technology. The real challenge now is ensuring we don't sacrifice practicality for green credentials: as EVs become more mainstream, manufacturers need to focus on creating affordable models with decent range and charging infrastructure needs to catch up.