The UK’s used car market has shown remarkable resilience, with electric vehicles (EVs) leading a significant recovery. In the second quarter of 2026, sales of used EVs skyrocketed by 67%, contributing to a total of over two million transactions across the broader market. This rebound marks the first time since 2021 that the second-quarter sales have exceeded the two million threshold, indicating a potential shift in consumer preferences amidst rising fuel prices and increased availability of electric models.
Strong Quarter for Used Cars
According to the latest data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 2,009,318 used vehicles were sold between April and June 2026, representing a modest increase of 0.7% compared to the same period in 2025. This growth, while slight, indicates a recovery trajectory for the second-hand market, which had faced a downturn in earlier months. Over the first half of 2026, used car sales reached 4,025,550, reflecting a marginal rise of 0.2%.
Electric Vehicles Lead the Charge
The standout performer in this quarter was undoubtedly the fully electric segment. The sale of used EVs climbed dramatically, with 110,761 units changing hands, equating to a record 5.5% share of the used car market. This is a notable increase from the 3.3% share recorded during the same period last year, demonstrating an escalating consumer shift towards electric options.
April was particularly promising, witnessing a staggering 110.9% increase in used EV transactions compared to the previous year. May and June followed suit, with sales up by 57.6% and 37.8%, respectively. The SMMT attributed these surges partly to rising fuel costs, which have driven consumers to consider more economical and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Market Dynamics: Hybrids and Traditional Vehicles
While electric vehicles are gaining traction, hybrid models also saw a positive trend. Used hybrid sales rose by 31.2%, totalling 130,825 transactions and increasing their market share from 5% to 6.5%. In contrast, plug-in hybrids experienced a decline, with sales dropping by 6.8% to 22,856 units, leaving them with a mere 1.1% share of the used market.
Despite the growth of electric and hybrid vehicles, petrol and diesel cars remain dominant in the used sector, accounting for 86.7% of all transactions. Specifically, petrol vehicles saw 1,121,243 sales, although this figure represents a slight decline of 1.2%. Diesel sales fell even more sharply by 7.2%, highlighting the diminishing presence of new diesel cars in the market.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT, commented on the positive trends, stating, “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.” He cautioned that while the used market thrives, unrealistic targets for new electric vehicle sales could constrain supply and inadvertently drive up prices.
Consumer Preferences and Trends
The types of vehicles that consumers gravitate towards continue to reflect longstanding preferences. Superminis constituted 31.7% of all used car sales, while lower-medium vehicles made up 26.6%, both showing slight increases. Dual-purpose vehicles, including SUVs, displayed the strongest growth, climbing 7.4% to capture 17.7% of the market.
In terms of colour, traditional choices dominated, with black, grey, and white accounting for over half of all used car sales. In total, 1.1 million vehicles sold in the quarter were painted in these shades, suggesting that consumer preferences remain conservative when it comes to aesthetics.
Why it Matters
The resurgence of the used car market, particularly in the electric segment, signifies a pivotal moment in the UK’s transition towards greener transportation. As more electric models become available and consumers demonstrate a willingness to embrace electric vehicles, this shift could have profound implications for the automotive industry and environmental policy. The growth in used EV sales not only reflects changing consumer attitudes but also highlights the importance of regulatory frameworks that support sustainable mobility without compromising vehicle availability or affordability for the average buyer. This evolution is critical for achieving broader climate goals and ensuring that the transition to electric mobility is equitable and accessible for all.
