BEVs now represent 1.8% of the used market, up from 1.0% last year. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hybrids (HEVs) also grew, up 34.6%, and 46.4% respectively – resulting in combined plug-ins increasing by 70.9% to comprise 2.8% of the market. Volumes for petrol and diesel cars, meanwhile, grew by 4.0% to 1,065,448 and 2.3% to 704,204 units respectively.
Research finds buying a used EV appeals more to women (69%) than men (61%), although they were evenly split (30%) when considering nearly-new EVs less than two years old. Overall, the inclination to buy a used EV was strongest among petrol or diesel owners (81%), falling to just 18% of those currently owning an EV.
A used fully Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) will be the choice for 4% and another 8% will seek a used Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). At 12%, as many people will buy a used EV as intend to buy a new one. With the purchase price of a new EV one of the main reasons the majority of non-EV owners have yet to switch to electric, many will turn to the used market when they are ready to plug into electric mobility.
At the same time that preference for electric has been increasing, it has been falling away for petrol, according to Startline’s research, with a fall since May from 39% to 33%. However, diesel has remained consistent at 18% and hybrid the same at 27%.
Despite the EV sales growth dealer stock turn fell in August due to a shortage while some buyers have delayed a move to zero emissions while the cost of living continues to rise. Hybrids are a lower emissions alternative and sales rose during August with the supply of used stock benefitting from strong new car registrations prior to the start of the pandemic.
