Used-EV sales soar by over 80 per cent in second quarter

Used battery electric vehicle (BEVs) have continued to rise in the second quarter of the year, growing by 81.8% to 30,645 units, representing 1.7% of the market and up from 1.0% last year, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Growth also continued for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrids (HEVs), up 11.4% to 18,437 units and 29.5% to 53,634 units respectively. The rising proportion of electrified vehicles meant that market share for conventionally powered cars marginally fell to 94.3% from 95.7% last year, even though volumes of petrol and diesel cars saw growth of 2.5% and 2.8% respectively.

Overall, the used car market rose by 4.1% during the second quarter of the year, with 1,832,267 sold.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "It’s great to see a recharged new car sector supporting demand for used cars and, in particular, helping more people to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle. Meeting the undoubted appetite for pre-owned EVs will depend on sustaining a buoyant new car market and on the provision of accessible, reliable charging infrastructure powered by affordable, green energy. This, in turn, will allow more people to drive zero at a price point suited to them, helping accelerate delivery of our environmental goals."