Electric and hybrid vehicles are dominating the used car market, demonstrating strong retail margins, rapid stock turn and growing consumer demand for low-emission vehicles.
According to Autotrader, alternatively fuelled vehicles accounted for eight of the UK’s nine fastest-selling used cars in the first 10 days of May 2026. 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.
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.
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.
April’s figures show just how quickly consumer confidence in used EVs is growing”, said Dealer Auction marketplace director Kieran TeeBoon. "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.”
