Used EV values surge as rising fuel costs boost demand

November 3, 2026

Used electric car values have rebounded sharply, with some three-year-old models gaining more than 20% in value over six months as rising petrol and diesel prices encourage motorists to consider switching to electric.

Figures from vehicle valuation specialist, Solera cap hpi show the Mini Cooper Electric recorded the biggest increase, with average trade values rising 28.3% from £9,905 to £12,710 – a £2,805 gain.

The Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 were the next strongest performers, both increasing by 20.9%. The Tesla added £3,813 to reach an average of £22,188, while the Polestar gained £3,765 to reach £21,822.

The Cupra Born (19.9%) and Subaru Solterra (19.3%) also recorded strong growth, while more affordable models including the Peugeot e-208 and MG4 rose by 17.4% and 15.4% respectively.

Model	Six months ago	Latest value	Increase	Rise
MINI Cooper Electric	£9,905	£12,710	£2,805	28.3%
Tesla Model 3	£18,375	£22,188	£3,813	20.9%
Polestar 2	£18,057	£21,822	£3,765	20.9%
Cupra Born	£15,475	£18,555	£3,080	19.9%
Subaru Solterra	£13,350	£15,925	£2,575	19.3%
MG5	£9,025	£10,731	£1,706	18.9%
Kia e-Niro	£12,867	£15,233	£2,367	18.4%
Volkswagen ID.3	£12,648	£14,870	£2,222	17.6%
Peugeot e-208	£9,593	£11,262	£1,668	17.4%
MG4	£11,355	£13,110	£1,755	15.4%

Chris Plumb, head of current valuations at Solera cap hpi, said some of the movements are 'significant'.

“What we’re really seeing is a recovery from previously depressed positions rather than a market running away with itself. In many cases these vehicles still represent excellent value for money and are becoming increasingly attractive to used car buyers as confidence in EVs continues to improve.”

The figures compare average CAP Clean trade valuations for three-year-old vehicles with 30,000 miles over a six-month period.

For fleets, the recovery of some EV values will be welcomed by businesses running some of the outlined makes and models, and it may give operators stronger confidence when the time comes to move the vehicles on. Simultaneously, fleets shopping for used EVs may experience slightly higher values than six months ago, but the vehicles themselves still represent value for money, given they've already taken the big depreciation hit.

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