Battery electric cars recorded the highest growth in the used vehicle market, increasing by 58.5% to 65,850 units and a record 3.3% share of all transactions, according to new figures.
The data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also found that hybrids attracted record numbers of second and third owners, up 30.2% to 98,830 units, while 23,540 plug-in hybrids changed hands, up 14.0% on the same period last year.
In comparison, petrol vehicle sales only rose by 2%, and diesel fell by 3%, across the market. It also comes as used car sales exceed two million units for the first time since the beginning of the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“The used car market has enjoyed its strongest start to a year since before the pandemic, with supply fuelled by a recovering new car market. Critically, more second-hand buyers are opting for electric vehicles, with greater choice and affordability enabling more people and businesses to switch.
“Sustaining and expanding this growth, however, depends on a healthy supply of EVs from the new car market – which in turn requires fiscal incentives alongside a nationally accessible and affordable charge point network so that everyone, whatever their budget or driving needs, can benefit from zero emission motoring.”
Dan Caesar, CEO, Electric Vehicles UK:
“The used EV sales success story over the last 12 months – latest data showed that EVs were the fastest growing drivetrain in terms of sales – up 58.5% on Q1 2024 – is further proof that there is significant latent demand for battery EVs.
“Averaging £3,000 cheaper than used combustion cars, with typically lower running costs and longer lasting too, there are bargain BEVs on British forecourts waiting to be snapped up by shrewd buyers. As they are with new car sales, battery EVs are set to become the most popular powertrain in the next 5 years of so as the network effect kicks in.”
Quentin Willson, Founder of FairCharge, said:
“The latest figures show a clear trend that consumers are recognising the savings of buying a used EV. Now the fastest growing used power train – up nearly 60% – and growth outperforming both petrol and diesel, shows that British consumer sentiment towards used electric cars is strengthening.
“This is very significant growth given that no incentives are available for private buyers of used EVs.”
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of Electrifying.com, the electric car buying and advice site, said:
“This surge in used EV sales shows that car buyers are waking up to the brilliant value they offer — with many electric models now priced the same as, or even less than, their petrol equivalents.
“However, in a survey of over 11,000 UK drivers at the end of 2024, just 6% told Electrifying.com they felt confident buying a used EV for the first time — highlighting the need for better education and support to help more people benefit from the savings and enjoyable driving experience that comes with owning a used electric car.”
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