Demand for second hand electric vehicles grew significantly in 2025, according to figures from the SMMT.

Sales of used battery electric cars (BEVs) surged 45.7% year-on-year to a record 274,815 transactions, whilst also achieving a record 3.5% market share, up from 2.5% in 2024.

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales rose by 6.3% to 88,032 units, while hybrids (HEVs) increased by 28.6% to 407,531 units.

Combined, used electrified car transactions rose 30.9% on 2024 to a record 770,378 units – accounting for almost one in 10 (9.9%) purchases. Petrol and diesel models, however, continued to dominate, comprising 89.9% of used transactions. Petrol remained the best-selling powertrain, rising 1.5% to represent 56.7% of the market, while diesel declined by -3.5%, to account for 33.1% of sales.

Overall, the UK’s used car market grew by 2.2% in 2025, reaching 7,807,872 transactions.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "A third year of used car sales growth underscores the market’s resilience, with recovering new car demand revitalising choice and affordability – especially for EVs – in the used market. The record number of buyers making the switch signals growing confidence in zero and ultra-low emission motoring. Maintaining this momentum, however, and driving the fleet renewal needed to decarbonise our roads at pace, must start with ensuring a strong and sustainable new car market."