Used EV sales increase as UK second-hand car market continues to grow

The UK used car market recorded its second consecutive quarter of growth in Q3 2026, with 2.03 million vehicles changing hands – a 0.5% increase on the same period last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) transactions performed particularly strongly, rising 23.2% to 97,625 units and achieving a 4.8% share of the used car market, compared with 3.9% in Q3 2025.

Year to date, used EV transactions have increased by 39.6% to 295,524, highlighting growing demand and the increasing availability of second-hand electric models.

Hybrid sales also recorded significant growth, climbing 25.9% to 135,204 transactions, while plug-in hybrid sales fell by 13.3%.

Petrol remained the dominant fuel type, accounting for 56.6% of used car sales, while diesel transactions declined by 5.3%.

For fleet operators, the growing availability of used EVs could provide more affordable opportunities to electrify vehicles, particularly for businesses looking to manage replacement costs and broaden their fleet options.

Overall, the market recorded 6.06 million transactions in the first nine months of 2026, its strongest year-to-date performance since 2019.

SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes said: "To sustain this progress and make zero emission mobility possible for all motorists, the new car market must remain strong, underpinned by measures that boost EV demand – including affordable and widely accessible charging infrastructure and compelling fiscal incentives.”

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