The UK’s used car market has experienced a significant revival, with electric vehicles (EVs) leading the charge. In the second quarter of 2026, sales of used EVs soared by an impressive 67%, contributing to a total of over two million used car transactions—a milestone not seen since the pandemic’s onset. This resurgence indicates a growing appetite for electric options as the nation pushes towards greener motoring.
Record Sales Drive Market Growth
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 2,009,318 used cars were sold between April and June, marking a 0.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This rebound signifies the first quarter since 2021 where sales surpassed the two million mark, bringing the market just 1.2% below pre-pandemic levels. The total number of second-hand cars sold in the first half of 2026 reached 4,025,550, reflecting a modest rise of 0.2%.
The standout performer in this market is undoubtedly the fully-electric vehicle segment. Used EV transactions reached 110,761 units, elevating their market share to a record 5.5%. This is a substantial leap from the 3.3% share recorded in the same quarter last year, demonstrating a shift in consumer preferences toward sustainable options.
Monthly Breakdown: April to June
April was particularly noteworthy, with used EV sales more than doubling—an astonishing increase of 110.9%. This trend continued into May and June, with growth rates of 57.6% and 37.8%, respectively. Industry experts attribute this spike in sales partly to rising fuel prices linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions, which have made electric vehicles more appealing. Additionally, last year’s market dynamics, which included changes to vehicle excise duty, contributed to this year’s impressive figures.
While the surge in used EVs is encouraging, it’s essential to note that they still represent a small fraction of the overall market. Nevertheless, the increasing availability of electric models from previous new car buyers is expanding the variety of choices for consumers.
Hybrids and Traditional Vehicles
The hybrid vehicle sector also enjoyed a productive quarter, with sales climbing by 31.2% to 130,825 units. Their market share grew from 5% to 6.5%, signalling a positive trend in the adoption of greener technologies. Conversely, plug-in hybrids saw a decline of 6.8%, bringing their total transactions down to 22,856, which is a slight decrease from the previous year.
Despite the noticeable rise in electric and hybrid sales, petrol and diesel vehicles continue to dominate the market, accounting for a staggering 86.7% of all transactions. Petrol remains the preferred fuel type, with 1,121,243 units sold, albeit a slight drop of 1.2%, while diesel sales fell by 7.2% to 620,045 units.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, expressed optimism about the market’s recovery, 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.” However, he cautioned that unrealistic targets in the new car market could hinder supply and inflate costs, stressing the need for urgent regulatory reforms to ensure a smooth transition towards sustainable driving.
In terms of vehicle preferences, small cars remain the kings of the used market. Superminis accounted for 31.7% of sales, while lower-medium cars represented 26.6%. Interestingly, dual-purpose vehicles, particularly SUVs, showed robust growth, climbing by 7.4% to occupy 17.7% of the market.
The colour palette of used cars sold reflects a conservative trend, with over 1.1 million vehicles in shades of black, grey, or white, which made up 56.5% of all transactions. While traditional colours dominate, there remains a slight dip in sales for blue and silver vehicles.
Why it Matters
The significant increase in used EV sales highlights a pivotal moment for the UK’s automotive landscape, as consumers increasingly gravitate towards electric options amidst rising fuel costs and environmental concerns. This shift not only supports the push for greener transportation but also has broader implications for the automotive industry, particularly as it navigates the challenges of supply constraints and evolving consumer preferences. As the market adapts, stakeholders must ensure that the transition to electric vehicles is both sustainable and accessible for all drivers.
