Findings by Autotrader show that used electric vehicles (EVs) are selling much faster than their petrol counterparts, with sales up 52% in 2025.
In December, the average used EV took 30 days to sell: five days faster than both the market average and their petrol counterparts (35 days respectively). 3-5-year-old electric models, where prices are stabilising and now level with their petrol equivalents, sold in just 25 days.
Some key retailers are using electric cars as an integral part of their pricing strategies, and as such, the softening in EV prices is also due, in part, to competitive pricing among younger returning stock.
According to the latest data from Autotrader, the year concluded with an estimated 7.8m used car transactions, following a 2% growth in retail sales on Autotrader compared to 2024, underpinned by robust consumer demand and stabilised pricing.
Whilst December capped the year with a positive c.4% YoY uplift in sales volumes, a look under the bonnet reveals a highly nuanced market hampered by supply constraints. Last year, this included a shortfall of around 1.8m [2] 3-5-year-old cars compared to 2019, which fuelled competition for available stock, and a notable shift in the balance of the market. Independent retailers successfully grew their share of 1–5-year-old cars, while franchised retailers saw their share fall from 70% in 2024 to 68%. Consequently, franchised sales remained largely flat (-0.5%) over the year, while independent sales grew on average around 4%.
Marc Palmer, Head of Strategy and Insights at Autotrader, said:
“The used car market has shown remarkable stability and resilience throughout 2025. Ending the year with sales volumes up and prices holding firm provides a very positive foundation for the months ahead. While we recognise that many retailers face ongoing challenges with supply and margin pressure, the fundamental demand for car ownership remains the bedrock of this market. The combination of strong demand and stable prices offer real opportunities for retailers who embrace a data-driven approach – those who pay close attention to the trends and insights will be well placed to capitalise.
“We’re seeing a maturing EV segment and a consumer base that remains highly engaged attracted by a brilliant ownership experience, which includes annual savings of up to £1,500 in ownership costs. With research behaviour remaining strong throughout December, we expect a significant volume of these researchers to convert into buyers in January, as is typical for the start of a new year. As ever, we remain deeply committed to working closely with our retail partners, using data-driven insights to help them seize every opportunity available within these changing market dynamics, and tailor the best strategies for their unique needs.”
Colin Walker, Head of Transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said:
“It is no surprise to learn that an ever-increasing number of savvy families are turning their backs on paying a ‘petrol premium’ to run their old cars, trading them in for second-hand EVs that can save them hundreds, even thousands, of pounds a year.
“With price parity reached on the second-hand market, buyers of used EVs can start saving the moment they get their hands on the keys. Our own analysis has found that the UK’s most-viewed second-hand EVs on Autotrader can save their owners an average of £1,450 a year. This figure includes the 3p per mile tax on EVs recently announced by the Government, showing that EVs will retain a significant running cost advantage over their petrol counterparts.
“While the EU risks setting its own EV transition back, the UK is well-set to forge ahead as a front-runner in the global transition to EVs. Providing regulatory stability will sustain competition, drive down prices for drivers and maintain the growth in the sale of new EVs that will turn up on the second hand market after three to four years”.
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