Better Fleet: What works in the used EV market

Used EV headlines often focus on price falls but the remarketing picture can be more nuanced than that. BCA’s Chief Operating Officer Stuart Pearson says demand remains strong:

“At BCA, used EV demand remains high in the early weeks of 2026, building on the consistently strong results achieved in 2025 across all ages and mileages."

BCA averaged more than 1,000 EVs sold every week last year. Top sellers included Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Jaguar I-PACE, MINI Electric and Nissan Leaf across every age group. The issue is market confidence rather than absence of demand. 

Confidence and transparency drive performance

Pearson explains:

“Confidence and transparency is key. BCA launched its EV battery report service late in 2024 in partnership with AVILOO. Batteries are graded from A to E and our trade buyers have given us excellent feedback on the usefulness of this service when deciding to purchase EVs, resulting in significantly higher sale conversion rates, improved average values and a shorter time to sale.”

FleetWise previously reported that across more than 22,000 graded EVs, BCA recorded a £258 uplift against guide prices and a 2.7 day reduction in time to sale. That uplift later rose to £365.

Arval has adopted similar battery health certificates. Polestar now issues battery health reports for used Polestar 2 models. Generational’s 2025 Battery Performance Index shows most EV batteries comfortably exceeding warranty thresholds.

What fleets can control at defleet stage

Pearson highlights the basics still matter that good practice in remarketing standards is important, both mechanically and cosmetically:

“In the case of EVs specifically, that all the correct charge cables are included. Buyers know what the vehicle should have and factor that into their purchase price. With charge cables retailing for £200 to £300 this will be factored into the bidding interest.”

Presentation, documentation and completeness influence buyer confidence as much as technology.

Demand-side support is shaping residual performance

Auction transparency improves outcomes, but wider demand conditions still influence values.

Startline Motor Finance’s Used Car Tracker shows 60 percent of dealers believe free or subsidised home chargers would most effectively support used EV sales. 52 percent back low or zero interest finance and 50 percent support purchase grants. This is reflected in market outcomes.

Zenith’s used EV salary sacrifice scheme has created a structured second life route for de-fleeted EVs. Short term flexible contracts, bundled battery warranties and maintenance cover reduce buyer hesitation and help stabilise demand for three to five year old vehicles.

In the final article, we set out how fleets can build these protections into their own defleet strategy.

Read guidance in this series:

Better Fleet: Why used EV values are stalling fleet decisions

Better Fleet: A practical playbook for managing EV residual risk

Or join Better Fleet for best-practice planning that's proven through real-world case studies: Better Fleet Campaign

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