Sales of used electric cars have jumped by almost 40% in the past year, according to one of the UK’s biggest second-hand sellers.
New data from online retailer Cinch reveals that sales of used EVs through its platform have risen 39% year-on-year as more drivers look to make savings when switching to electric.
Cinch’s latest figures for the first quarter of 2025 show that average prices for used EVs have dropped 4% compared with Q1 of 2024. The market continues to mature, with more options across a broader range of body styles and sizes.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, said: “We predicted 2025 was going to be the year many drivers made the switch to electric, and our latest data bears that out.”
“While petrol and diesel cars continue to deliver the most used car sales overall, EVs and hybrids are the fastest growing markets.”
“Our sales data shows the wide variety of EVs now on the market. From long-held favourites such as the Nissan Leaf to newer models like the Kona Electric, there are some great options for those looking to go electric in 2025.”
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The Tesla Model 3 was the most in-demand model in the first three months of the year, jumping from fifth place last year to claim the top spot from 2024’s champion, the Renault Zoe.
Behind the Tesla, the Nissan Leaf – often considered the pioneer of mainstream EVs – was the second biggest seller, with the first-generation Mini Electric in third place. The Hyundai Kona Electric and Vauxhall Corsa-e completed the top five.
New entrants to the best-selling list this year included the versatile Kona and the high-performance Jaguar I-Pace.
Tesla also took the top spot for fastest-selling vehicle, with the Model Y SUV selling quicker on average than any other model.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq spent the shortest time on the virtual forecourt after the Model Y.
While many Chinese brands are too new to the UK for their cars to appear in the secondhand market, Sheehan noted that interest was growing.
Sales of used BYDs were up 300%, with Omoda and Ora also rising quarter-on-quarter as their vehicles begin reaching the used market.
