Britain’s second-hand car market is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, driven primarily by a significant increase in used electric vehicle (EV) sales. In the second quarter of 2026, transactions of used EVs soared by an impressive 67%, contributing to a total of over two million used cars sold—a milestone not achieved since 2021.
Robust Market Performance
According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the used car market saw 2,009,318 vehicles change hands from April to June this year. This figure marks a modest increase of 0.7% compared to the same period last year, and it signals a promising recovery as the sector inches closer to pre-pandemic levels, now just 1.2% shy of where it stood before COVID-19 disrupted the economy. Across the first half of 2026, a total of 4,025,550 used cars were sold, reflecting a slight rise of 0.2%.
Electric Vehicles Lead the Charge
The most noteworthy aspect of this growth is the surge in used electric vehicles. During Q2 2026, a total of 110,761 pre-owned EVs were sold, claiming a record 5.5% share of the used car market. This represents a significant leap from last year, when EVs held only a 3.3% share. The momentum was particularly strong in April, where sales of used EVs more than doubled, increasing by over 110%. May and June also saw substantial growth, with rises of 57.6% and 37.8% respectively.
The increase in used EV transactions aligns with rising fuel prices, influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, as well as a comparison to a weaker sales period the previous year, when new vehicle excise duty regulations were implemented.
Hybrid Vehicles Also See Growth
The hybrid segment has not been left behind, with used regular hybrids witnessing a 31.2% increase in sales, totalling 130,825 units. Their market share climbed from 5% to 6.5%. However, plug-in hybrids faced a slight decline, with transactions falling by 6.8% to 22,856, resulting in a marginal drop in their market share to 1.1%.
Despite the rapid expansion of electric and hybrid vehicles, traditional petrol and diesel cars continue to dominate, making up 86.7% of all used car sales. Petrol vehicles remain the most popular choice, with 1,121,243 units sold, though this represents a minor decline of 1.2%. Diesel sales also fell, dropping by 7.2% to 620,045, reflecting the decreasing availability of new diesel models.
Consumer Preferences and Market Trends
The SMMT’s chief executive, Mike Hawes, expressed optimism about the growth trajectory, 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 restrict supply and inflate prices, indicating an urgent need for regulatory reform to ensure an equitable transition for all drivers.
In terms of vehicle types, superminis maintained their status as the most popular category, accounting for 31.7% of transactions. Lower-medium cars followed closely, capturing 26.6% of the market, both showing negligible increases. Interestingly, dual-purpose vehicles, including SUVs, showcased the strongest growth, rising by 7.4% to secure 17.7% of the market.
When it comes to colour preferences, buyers remained conservative. Over 1.1 million cars sold were black, grey, or white, with these hues comprising 56.5% of the market. Black cars saw a slight rise of 0.7%, while grey and white increased by 4.1% and 4.7%, respectively. Blue and silver cars, although still popular, experienced minor declines in sales.
Why it Matters
The resurgence in Britain’s used car market, particularly through the lens of electric vehicles, signifies a pivotal shift in consumer behaviour and industry dynamics. As more EVs enter the second-hand market, buyers are presented with increasing options, which could accelerate the transition to greener transportation. This growth not only reflects changing preferences but also highlights the need for supportive policies that foster sustainable automotive practices. A robust used car market is essential for economic recovery and environmental objectives, making it critical for stakeholders to navigate this evolving landscape intelligently.
