Over 60% of car dealers report improving demand for second-hand EVs, according to the latest Startline Used Car Tracker survey.
The April data shows customer interest in used electric cars has reached an all-time high as the market matures. This represents a 15% jump in just one month, with dealers noting increased interest and faster vehicle turnover.
“This figure was just 50% last month and as low as 45% in our research as recently as November, suggesting that there has been quite a marked and rapid change in the views of dealers,” said Startline CEO Paul Burgess.
“Certainly, there are reports from a variety of sources that used buyer demand for EVs is now bordering on buoyant, with fast stock turnaround times and a general sense of maturity appearing in the market.”
The findings support data from other industry sources showing a boom in the used EV sector.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported a 57% year-on-year jump in second-hand EV sales earlier this year.
In February, Cap HPI reported that second-hand electric cars were selling faster than petrol or diesel models.
Despite positive consumer demand, dealers remain skeptical about EVs. The survey found only 38% of dealers feel positive about EVs – down from 43% in February.
This skepticism stems primarily from EV price and value volatility, with just 28% of dealers saying the situation is improving in this area.
The survey revealed 57% of dealers consider the move to EV-only stock the biggest challenge to their business future – ranking it above finance availability and stock supply concerns.
“Taken together, all these statistics paint quite a complex picture when it comes to the used EV sector,” Burgess added. “While consumer demand is probably improving, there is clearly some concern among dealers that the journey to electrification is going to remain a bumpy one.”
