Britain’s second-hand electric car market has recorded its strongest start to a year on record, as rising fuel costs and a growing supply of used battery vehicles push more drivers towards electrification.
New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that 86,943 fully electric cars were sold in the used market between January and March 2026. That represents a 32% increase compared with the same period last year and marks the highest quarterly total since records began.
Battery-electric vehicles also reached a record 4.3% share of all used car transactions, signalling a steady shift in consumer behaviour as EVs move further into the mainstream.
Across the wider market, however, activity remained largely unchanged. Just over two million used vehicles changed hands in total during the quarter, reflecting a flat overall market despite the surge in electric car demand. Analysts say this divergence highlights how quickly electrification is reshaping consumer choices, particularly among private buyers and small businesses focused on long-term running costs.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said the growth reflects a rising supply of affordable electric vehicles entering the second-hand market as early adopters upgrade to newer models. He noted that the trend is being supported by strong manufacturer output in previous years, which is now filtering through to used-car availability.
However, he cautioned that continued momentum depends on policy support for the new-car market, which ultimately determines future supply. Without sustained incentives and stable demand for new EVs, he warned, the flow of used electric vehicles could weaken in the years ahead.
Rising fuel prices, partly driven by global instability linked to conflict in Iran, are also influencing consumer behaviour. Higher pump costs are making electric vehicles more attractive on a day-to-day running cost basis, especially for commuters and small business operators.
Ian Plummer, chief customer officer at Auto Trader, said interest in electric vehicles is increasing rapidly across online platforms. He noted that nearly one in four used-car enquiries on the site now relate to relatively new electric models under five years old.
He added that economic pressure at the pump is prompting many drivers to reassess their long-term motoring costs, accelerating the shift towards electric mobility.
The findings come as policymakers continue to rely on the transition in the new-car market to feed the used sector. Industry figures say maintaining supply will be essential to ensuring affordability and choice for consumers in the second-hand market over the coming years.
