Used electric car sales hit a record high in the third quarter of 2025, with buyers snapping up 44.4% more secondhand EVs than the same period last year.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that 80,614 used EVs changed hands between July and September. That’s one in 25 buyers making the switch to electric.
Used electric cars now hold a record 4% market share – up from 2.8% in Q3 2024.
The SMMT credited ongoing efforts to boost new EV supply and growing consumer interest in electric models for driving the growth. Electric car sales far outpaced any other powertrain type during the quarter.
The surge helped the overall used car market grow 2.8%, marking the 11th straight month of growth and the strongest third quarter since 2021.
Other Powertrains Show Mixed Results
Hybrids performed well with 30% growth, while plug-in hybrids and petrol vehicles rose more modestly at 2% and 1.9% respectively.
Diesel continued its decline – down 2.8% for the quarter.
Internal combustion engine vehicles still dominated the market at 89.2% share, though that’s down from 91.6% last year.
Younger Cars Enter Market Through Fleet Programs
The average age of UK vehicles continues climbing and now sits at 9.5 years. However, 99,313 cars under a year old changed hands in Q3 – with a third of those being electrified models.
Many of these newer vehicles entered the used market through employee car ownership schemes. These programs provide mobility options for automotive sector workers and help supply younger, cleaner vehicles to secondhand buyers.
The SMMT warned that government plans to apply company car tax to these schemes could severely impact the supply of newer, low-emission vehicles. The organization predicted new car registrations could drop by around 80,000 units annually if the tax changes go ahead.
Such a move would reduce transport options for employees while cutting VAT and vehicle excise duty revenues for the Treasury.
“With used EV uptake at a record high, a robust used car market is essential for fleet renewal, and helps make electrified mobility more accessible for more motorists,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
“However, overall consumer choice and affordability are at risk if the government scraps Employee Car Ownership Schemes, a move that would stifle supply of the very latest vehicles into the used market and cut Exchequer revenue. Britain needs fiscal policy that promotes rather than prevents economic growth, social mobility and decarbonisation.”
The record used EV sales come as the UK pushes toward its 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales. Growing availability of used electric cars makes the technology more accessible to buyers who can’t afford new models.
