Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show Q1 sales of used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) increased by 71% to 41,505.
Increasing numbers of BEVs are entering the used car market, and they are the fastest-growing powertrain, posting a new record market share of 2.1%. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids also grew in popularity in the second-hand market, seeing a 49.3% rise for the former and 42.5% for the latter.
Conventional internal combustion engine vehicles remained the most prominent in the quarter. Still, buyers are increasingly attracted to the potential cost-saving and environmental benefits of electric vehicles (EVs).
As zero-emission cars from company fleets retire, customers can take advantage of the number of used low- and zero-emission models on the market. Petrol and diesel cars saw their market share drop by 2%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “A reinvigorated new car market is delivering more choice and affordability for used car buyers and, increasingly, they are choosing to go electric.
“To enable even more drivers to enjoy the benefits of zero-emission motoring, ensuring both supply and demand remain robust is essential. Incentivising new EV uptake and investing in a chargepoint network that is accessible, available, and affordable to all will drive the nation’s net zero transition.”
SMMT revealed in February that used BEV sales jumped by 90.9% year-on-year in 2023, noting that the uplift was “in line with growth in the new car sector and demonstrated keen demand for zero-emission motoring in this naturally more affordable price bracket”.
Read more: Current+
