More than 90% of UK car dealers believe the used electric car market is approaching a “tipping point” where EVs will become more popular than petrol or diesel vehicles.
Startline Motor Finance surveyed dealers following a University of Exeter study that found growing interest in used electric vehicles. The academic research suggested buyer interest in used EVs was becoming more stable.
The overwhelming dealer response supports the university’s findings about an approaching market shift.
Most dealers – 53% – said buyers are much more comfortable with electric cars than before. Another 51% reported that used EVs are becoming “just another car in stock.”
“We asked this question following the publication of a paper from the University of Exeter showing the electric car market was near to a tipping point,” said Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance. “Simply, we wanted to see whether dealers agreed with the academics – and the response was overwhelmingly positive.”
The high level of dealer agreement surprised industry observers.
“It perhaps isn’t a surprise to see a majority of dealers believe a pivotal moment for electric cars is approaching but the very high degree of backing for this idea is something of a shock,” Burgess said. “Essentially, our data shows electrification is very close to being an accepted fact of the used car market.”
Dealer Experience Shows Shifting Market
The survey revealed that 41% of dealers are seeing “much more serious” interest from potential EV buyers compared to previous years.
This represents a shift from casual browsing to genuine purchase consideration.
“One thing we have noticed in the last year is that most of the dealers we work with now have at least some electric cars in stock,” Burgess noted. “To an extent, this is a necessity because of current shortages for some age profiles of vehicle, but it also means these models are becoming just a normal, everyday fact of the motor industry.”
The dealer inventory changes reflect both supply constraints and growing demand. Vehicle shortages in certain age categories have pushed dealers toward electric options.
However, challenges remain for widespread EV adoption.
“Of course, that doesn’t mean that some very real issues don’t remain – a lot of work remains to be done on the charging infrastructure, especially for those living in terraced houses and apartments – but there is now a sense of genuine momentum,” Burgess said.
The charging infrastructure gap particularly affects urban residents without dedicated parking spaces. This remains a barrier to mass market adoption despite growing dealer confidence.
The University of Exeter research tracked online search patterns and dealer listings to identify the potential tipping point. Their analysis showed sustained growth in used EV interest rather than the previous boom-and-bust cycles.
