The UK’s used car market grew by 2.2% in 2025, reaching 7,807,872 transactions, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The increase marks three consecutive years of growth, as the new car market’s ongoing recovery boosted supply to meet robust demand, particularly for EVs.
Demand for EVs accelerated significantly, driven by an ever-increasing choice of models and the potential for lower running costs. Sales of used battery electric cars (BEVs) rose 45.7% year-on-year to a record 274,815 transactions, while also achieving a record 3.5% market share, up from 2.5% in 2024.
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales also rose by 6.3% to 88,032 units, while hybrids (HEVs) increased by 28.6% to 407,531 units.
Combined, used electrified car transactions rose 30.9% on 2024 to a record 770,378 units, accounting for almost one in 10 (9.9%) purchases.
The news comes as almost one in three new vehicles sold were plug-in at the end of the year.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“A third year of used car sales growth underscores the market’s resilience, with recovering new car demand revitalising choice and affordability – especially for EVs – in the used market. The record number of buyers making the switch signals growing confidence in zero and ultra-low emission motoring.
“Maintaining this momentum, however, and driving the fleet renewal needed to decarbonise our roads at pace, must start with ensuring a strong and sustainable new car market.”
John Lewis, CEO of char.gy, said:
“What matters now is continuing to champion the benefits of EV ownership – better vehicles, lower lifetime running costs, and a cleaner, quieter driving experience.”
Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, said:
“Nearly one in ten used cars sold is now electrified, and that matters because confidence grows with visibility. When drivers see electric cars changing hands in volume, it reinforces trust in the technology and the infrastructure behind it.”
Tanya Sinclair, CEO of Electric Vehicles UK, said:
“Used BEVs grew by almost 50%, far outpacing hybrids and plug-in hybrids. That tells us where consumer confidence is setting in.”
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said:
“With larger volumes of electric stock appearing on the market every day, there have been persistent demands from the motor trade for help from the government to support used electric car sales and we wanted to build a more detailed picture of which measures retailers thought would be effective.
“The top answer is a free charger and, at a typical cost of around £700-£1,500, this could prove to be a cost-effective solution. Of course, some targeted help is already available for charger fitting, but it is quite specific and not as generous. Plus, it doesn’t have the simple and effective appeal of knowing the government will supply your charger for nothing.”
Image courtesy of Green Car Guide
