The UK’s second-hand car market is experiencing a significant rebound, with used electric vehicle (EV) sales soaring by 67% in the second quarter of 2026. This surge has helped push overall used car transactions past the two million mark for the first time since 2021, signalling a recovery that could reshape consumer choices and industry dynamics.
Record Sales Figures
According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 2,009,318 used vehicles were sold between April and June, marking a modest increase of 0.7% compared to the same period last year. This is the first time quarterly sales have exceeded two million since the onset of the pandemic. The first half of 2026 saw 4,025,550 used cars sold, representing a slight increase of 0.2%.
The standout performers within this market are fully electric cars. In Q2 alone, the number of used EVs sold reached 110,761, capturing a record 5.5% of the overall used car market. This is a notable rise from just 3.3% a year earlier, indicating a growing acceptance of electric vehicles among second-hand buyers.
Trends Driving Growth
The growth trajectory of used EV sales has been particularly pronounced in April, where transactions more than doubled with a staggering increase of 110.9%. May and June also showed strong gains, rising by 57.6% and 37.8%, respectively. These spikes in sales coincided with rising fuel prices, attributed to ongoing geopolitical tensions, which have likely prompted consumers to consider more economical alternatives like electric vehicles.
Interestingly, hybrids also experienced a notable uptick, with sales jumping by 31.2% to 130,825 units, thereby increasing their market share from 5% to 6.5%. However, plug-in hybrids did not share in this success, with sales declining by 6.8% to 22,856 units.
The Dominance of Traditional Fuels
Despite the remarkable growth of electric and hybrid vehicles, petrol and diesel cars continue to dominate the used market, comprising 86.7% of all sales during the quarter. Petrol vehicles alone accounted for 1,121,243 transactions, although this figure represents a slight decrease of 1.2%. Diesel sales also fell by 7.2%, reflecting the diminishing supply of new diesel models entering the used market.
Mike Hawes, the SMMT chief executive, commented on the resurgence: “A return to growth is good news for motorists and the wider automotive sector, with sales of used EVs rising particularly strongly as more choice reaches more buyers. However, the supply of vehicles is critical, and unrealistic targets in the new car market could constrain this supply and inflate costs. Urgent regulatory reform is necessary for a transition that accommodates all drivers.”
Consumer Preferences in the Used Market
In terms of consumer preferences, smaller vehicles remain the most popular choice in the used car segment. Superminis accounted for 31.7% of all transactions, with a slight increase of 0.2%. Lower-medium cars, typically hatchbacks and family models, held a 26.6% share, also rising by 0.2%. Meanwhile, the segment for dual-purpose vehicles, including SUVs, posted the strongest growth, climbing 7.4% to capture 17.7% of the market.
Interestingly, buyers displayed a preference for conservative colour choices. Over 1.1 million vehicles sold during this quarter were black, grey, or white, together making up 56.5% of the market. Black cars saw a marginal rise in sales of 0.7%, while grey and white cars increased by 4.1% and 4.7%, respectively.
Why it Matters
The resurgence of the used electric vehicle market signifies a pivotal shift in consumer attitudes towards sustainability and cost-efficiency in mobility. As EVs gain traction, the second-hand market will likely play a crucial role in making electric cars accessible to a broader audience. This change not only impacts individual buyers but also poses significant implications for manufacturers, policymakers, and the environment. A vibrant used EV market could be the key to achieving national carbon reduction goals and fostering a sustainable automotive landscape in the UK.