Used EV values rise in August, but September registrations could apply pressure

Used electric vehicle values saw a period of recovery in August, with the Tesla Model 3 recording the biggest price increase across a range of three-year-old used cars, Car Dealer Magazine reports. But pressure could mount as new 76 plate registrations arrive in September.

Vehicle market data specialist, Cazana, revealed that average retail prices for three-year-old Model 3s increased by 5.85% during the month, rising from £23,462 to £24,834 – an increase of £1,372. The Renault Zoe recorded an identical 5.85% increase, representing steady demand for small, practical EVs.

Other EVs posting average price gains included the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Life van, up 5.45%, Porsche Taycan Cross and Sport Turismo models (5.30% and 4.69%, respectively), Renault Megane E-Tech (4.60%) and the Kia EV6 (4.57%).

Across the wider market, three-year-old EV values rose by 0.6% in August, taking their increase over the past five months to more than £1,600. That compares with a 0.5% increase in average used-car prices overall.

However, with September’s 76 plate registrations set to increase supply, Cazana anticipates whether pressure on used EV values will come under pressure. Elements such as heavy discounting, manufacturer and government incentives, and aftersales packages could see new registrations increase, causing used many used EV values to fall by Q4. 

It comes as some cars fell in value during the same period in August; led by the Audi Q4 e-tron, which fell by 3.02%. The BMW iX and Polestar 2 are also depreciation victims that both fell by around 2.4%. The Nissan Leaf was also down by 2.4% and the Volkswagen ID.Buzz suffered a 2.19% blow.

For fleets, the general improvement of used EV values could provide greater confidence around residual values and stock selection. However, the market remains model-specific, with some EVs continuing to experience falls in value. Furthermore, the pressure to lower used EV prices further could take place as more new vehicles are registered from September and into Q4 of 2026.

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