Used electric vehicle sales increased by 52.6% over Q2, leading an overall increase across all fuel types of 7.2%, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The overall increase represents the sixth consecutive quarter increase for used car sales in the UK and saw an additional 131,128 vehicles sold compared with the same period in 2023.
Transactions have risen in every month of the year, with the first six months up 6.8% to 3,931,318 units – marking the best growth since 2016 and the best first half since 2019.
Year-to-date, the market is now just 3% below pre-pandemic levels.
Used EVs secure highest ever UK market share
Increasing numbers of used car buyers are switching to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with 46,773 finding new owners between April and June.
It’s the highest ever market share for used EVs at 2.4%, up from 1.7% in the same period last year.
While the overall market is clearly still dominated by more traditional fuel types, it’s an indicator of the direction of travel as used EV sales continue to grow from a small base.
Sales of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrids (HEVs) also grew, up 25.2% to 21,580 units and 43.6% to 78,782 units respectively.
Petrol and diesel powered cars still accounted for 92.4% of all vehicles, down from 94.3% last year.
Petrol remained the most popular fuel type, up 9.2%, while diesel fell by 1.2%.
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Superminis still the most popular used segment
Superminis sustained their position as the best-selling used vehicle type, with volumes increasing by 8.6% to make up 31.9% of transactions, followed by lower medium (27.1% share) and dual purpose (15.8% share).
The Ford Fiesta led used car sales in Q2 with 77,236 units sold.
The top three accounted for three quarters of all used vehicles, with only the executive (-4.2%) and luxury saloon segments (-5.4%) recording volume falls.
Black remained the most popular used car colour, recording 6.3% growth and accounting for more than one in five (21.2%) transactions.
Unchanged from last year, grey and blue took second and third places with 17.5% and 16.3% market shares respectively.
White moved into fourth place to push silver back to fifth, while cream/ivory remained at the bottom end of the spectrum, at just 1,194 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It’s encouraging to see the used car market continue its recovery, with choice and affordability rejuvenated by the new car sector’s sustained run of growth.
“The increased supply of electric vehicles to second and third owners is helping more motorists make the switch – underlining the importance of energising the new EV market to support a fair transition for all.
“Maintaining momentum requires reliable, affordable and green EV charging up and down the country and incentives to get all of Britain on board the net zero transition.”
