Surge in demand for used-EV and hybrids in Q1 2018

According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), sales of second-hand alternatively fuelled vehicles grew by 15.9 per cent, with some 24,697 hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric cars sold so far this year.

In particular, zero emission electric cars saw a surge in popularity, with demand rising 33.8 per cent to 2,927 units, followed by hybrids, which rose 14.1 per cent.

Together they represented 1.2 per cent of all used car transactions in the quarter, while petrol fuelled models took a 55.9 per cent market share and diesel 42.8 per cent.

Demand for petrol engine cars fell -9.7 per cent, as diesel registrations rose 2.0 per cent.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Despite the overall decline in demand, the UK’s used car sector remains at a very high level and it’s great to see millions of consumers benefitting from some of the latest, safest and cleanest models now filtering into the market. To maintain this choice and make the fastest possible improvements to air quality, we need stability in the new car market. That means giving consumers confidence to trade in their older cars for the best new, low emission model to suit their needs – whatever the fuel type.”