Britain’s used EV market builds momentum as three-year-old electric cars post 9.4% price growth

  Posted by: user_amy      9th September 2026

Britain’s used electric vehicle market is showing clear signs of momentum. After years of price correction, consumer demand for used EVs has grown this summer, with used prices having posted three consecutive months of annual growth in Autotrader’s records. However, industry leaders warn that there is more to do before the used market can support the next phase of the transition in a sustainable way.

Autotrader’s latest data (August 2026) shows like-for-like used EV prices rose 3.8% year on year. Three-to-five year-old electric models — the heart of the used market — rose 9.4% year on year to average £20,351. Used EVs continued to sell faster than the wider market at an average of 27 days, with the three-to-five year cohort turning in just 26 days.

This summer could turn out to be an important milestone for Britain’s transition to electric driving.

A healthy used market benefits far more than second-hand buyers, who already account for the majority of vehicle transactions each year. Stronger residual values reduce the cost of leasing and personal contract purchase finance on new EVs and improve confidence for fleets and lenders. Combined, these factors help to make new electric vehicles more affordable and accessible for households and businesses alike.

The trends suggest used EVs are becoming a mainstream choice for cost-conscious motorists, with rising demand increasingly driven by value and running costs rather than early adopter enthusiasm.

Martin Miller, Founder of EV Experts, said:

“We’ve seen the time between us buying an EV and selling it halve to under 30 days. That’s a pretty clear indication of where demand is heading.

“But speed isn’t the only important number. We don’t get returns because we spend time with every customer understanding how they’ll actually use the car and making sure the EV they buy meets all their needs. Buyers increasingly know they want an EV. Our job is to make sure they buy the right one.”

Gurjeet Grewal, CEO of Octopus Electric Vehicles, said:

“A strong used market means cheaper EVs and that’s a big win for drivers.

“We’ve seen demand for used EVs jump 150% over the last year, showing that drivers are choosing electric for the value it offers, coupled with being a superior technology.

“A thriving second hand market also helps brings down finance and leasing costs, making new electric cars more affordable and helping more people make the switch. A strong used market is turbo charging the transition and driving thousands more to make the switch from petrol.”

Toby Poston, Chief Executive of the BVRLA, said:

“The used market is where long-term confidence in any vehicle technology is ultimately established.

“The signs of consumer demand for used electric cars are encouraging, but the used EV market is still finding its feet after years of pricing pressure. Consumer confidence is building but remains fragile.

“Balanced policy, supporting drivers considering their next electric car, whether new or used, is what long-term success of the transition relies on.”

Ben Nelmes, Chief Executive of New AutoMotive, said:

“The strongest markets are the ones that no longer need explaining. The latest evidence suggests that’s exactly where used electric vehicles are heading.

“Demand is growing because consumers increasingly recognise the value proposition. Lower running costs, improving infrastructure and a much wider choice of vehicles mean electric cars are becoming the obvious option for more households.”

Tanya Sinclair, Chief Executive of Electric Vehicles UK, said:

“This is a significant moment for the UK’s transition to electric driving.

“For too long the debate focused on whether there would be a market for used EVs. The market has now answered that question.

“As confidence grows, residual values strengthen. Better residual values make finance more affordable, encourage investment and help more drivers make the switch. That’s how successful markets develop, and it’s exactly what’s happening.”

The improving health of the used EV market comes as record numbers of second-hand electric vehicles change hands across the UK. Increasing consumer awareness, expanding charging infrastructure and lower running costs continue to broaden the appeal of electric driving beyond early adopters.

Industry partners say the latest trends indicate positive momentum for Britain’s electric vehicle market. Industry and government are being encouraged to collaborate further to help growing demand, improving residual values and stronger consumer confidence reinforce one another to enable long-term market growth.