Used EV sales up 67% as demand rockets

August 11, 2026

Sales of used electric cars registered their fastest growth in more than two years with transactions rocketing 67 percent in Q2 2026.

More than 110,000 used EVs changed hands, with demand rising 111 percent in April and 58 percent in May – coinciding with fuel price rises linked to the Middle East conflict.

According to trade body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, more than one in 18 used car buyers switched to an EV, compared to one in 30 a year ago.

Motoring Research is following the trend for used electric cars, running a used Polestar 2 from the firm’s great-value pre-owned scheme.

Used hybrid car sales also rose a healthy 31.2 percent – but surprisingly, plug-in hybrid transactions fell by a noteworthy 6.8 percent.

This is despite growing numbers of new PHEV sales.

Overall, the used car market grew 0.7 percent in Q2 2026, with just over two million vehicles changing hands. It is the first time since 2021 that Q2 volumes have exceeded the two-million mark.

Good news – but reform still needed

A person in a suit speaks at a podium in front of a "Mission Automotive" backdrop, gesturing with one hand.

“A return to growth is good news for motorists and the wider automotive sector, with sales of used EVs rising particularly strongly as more choice reaches more buyers,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.

“As the used market is where most people buy their cars, plentiful and affordable supply is vital – however, increasingly unrealistic targets in the new car market risk constraining that supply and pushing up costs.

“Urgent regulatory reform is needed to deliver a transition that works for every driver.”

Petrol still top

A person refuels a car with a green gasoline pump nozzle, close-up view of the vehicle's fuel tank and taillight.

Overall, petrol remains the most popular used car fuel type, despite transactions falling 1.2 percent to 1.12 million vehicles. Diesel continued to decline too, down 7.2 percent on the back of shorter new car supply.

Nearly a third of UK used car buyers chose a supermini, followed by the family hatch sector on 26.6 percent. SUVs recorded the strongest growth, up 7.4 percent to a 17.7 percent market share.

The Ford Fiesta remained Britain’s favourite used car, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Golf.