Electric and hybrid vehicles are dominating the used car market, with new data from Autotrader and Dealer Auction showing strong retail margins, rapid stock turn and growing consumer demand for low-emission vehicles.
Autotrader said alternatively fuelled vehicles accounted for nine of the UK’s 10 fastest-selling used cars in May so far, while used EVs were the fastest-selling fuel type overall, spending an average of 24 days on forecourts compared with 29 days for petrol and 32 days for diesel models.
The petrol hybrid MG ZS was the UK’s fastest-selling used car, taking an average of 10.5 days to sell, followed by the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3.
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Autotrader said five of the top 10 fastest-selling used cars were fully electric models, underlining growing consumer demand for lower-emission vehicles amid rising fuel costs.
Fastest-selling used cars between May 1 and May 11
| Rank | Make | Model | Body Type | Fuel Type | Age Cohort (years) | Avg. days to sell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MG | MG ZS | SUV | Petrol Hybrid | 1 to 3 Years | 10.5 |
| 2 | Polestar | Polestar 2 | Hatchback | Electric | 3 to 5 Years | 15 |
| 3 | Tesla | Model 3 | Saloon | Electric | 3 to 5 Years | 17 |
| 4 | Kia | Niro | SUV | Electric | 3 to 5 Years | 18 |
| 5 | Kia | Sportage | SUV | Petrol | 3 to 5 Years | 18 |
| 6 | Nissan | Qashqai | SUV | Petrol Hybrid | 3 to 5 Years | 18 |
| 7 | Tesla | Model Y | SUV | Electric | 3 to 5 Years | 19 |
| 8 | Vauxhall | Mokka Electric | SUV | Electric | 3 to 5 Years | 20 |
| 9 | Kia | Niro | SUV | Petrol Hybrid | 3 to 5 Years | 20 |
| 10 | Hyundai | TUCSON | SUV | Petrol | 3 to 5 Years | 20 |
Strengthening confidence in the used EV sector
Dealer Auction’s latest EV Performance Report also pointed to strengthening confidence in the used EV sector, with average retail margins for alternatively fuelled vehicles reaching £3,620 in April, the highest level since November 2024.
The business said average sold prices for used alternatively fuelled vehicles remained stable at around £15,000, while average vehicle age held at approximately four years old.
Dealer Auction marketplace director Kieran TeeBoon said: “April’s figures show just how quickly consumer confidence in used EVs is growing.
“With fuel price uncertainty continuing to impact buyer behaviour, it’s clear drivers are eyeing up electric vehicles as a smart and cost-effective choice.
“This also presents a very compelling proposition for fleets who are looking to cut their fuel costs over the long term.”
Dealer Auction said EVs accounted for 60% of the top-performing models in its retail margin rankings during April, with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-PACE, Volkswagen ID.3 and Tesla Model Y among the strongest performers.
Autotrader also highlighted strong demand for 3-to-5-year-old EVs, which sold in an average of 21 days. The business said average pricing for EVs in that age group was now broadly aligned with petrol equivalents at £19,022 versus £18,950.
Marc Palmer, head of strategy and insights at Autotrader, said: “This month’s data paints a vivid picture of today’s fiercely competitive used car market. As petrol prices continue to stay sky high, we’re seeing a clear shift: car buyers are making the switch to low emission vehicles.
“The remarkable pace at which electrified models are selling underscores the growing desire for cars that blend affordability with lower running costs, and it’s not just a passing trend – consumers are actively seeking out greener, smarter options.”
He added: “Because of the scale and depth of demand on our platform, we often see shifts in consumer behaviour early, giving retailers a leading indicator of where the market is heading.
“This, supported by our powerful AI-powered buyer insights, will allow retailers to stay close to the data, spot pockets of demand early and capture a competitive advantage.”
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