Strong demand for battery electric cars and plug-in hybrids have helped push used car sales figures to their highest level since the pandemic started. A total of 2,020,990 vehicles changed hands in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Although petrol remained the best-selling fuel type, with sales rising 2.1% to 1,149,855 units, diesel experienced a 3.1% decline to 679,739 units. As a result, internal combustion cars made up 90.5% of all used transactions in the quarter. However, their combined market share fell 2.4 percentage points on the same period in 2024 as more buyers opted for electrified options.
Hybrids attracted record numbers of second and third owners, up 30.2% to 98,830 units, while 23,540 plug-in hybrids changed hands, up 14.0% on the same period last year. Battery electric cars recorded the highest growth, increasing by 58.5% to 65,850 units and a record 3.3% share of all transactions.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “More second-hand buyers are opting for electric vehicles, with greater choice and affordability enabling more people and businesses to switch. Sustaining and expanding this growth, however, depends on a healthy supply of EVs from the new car market – which in turn requires fiscal incentives alongside a nationally accessible and affordable charge point network so that everyone, whatever their budget or driving needs, can benefit from zero emission motoring.”
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of Electrifying.com, said: “This surge in used EV sales shows that car buyers are waking up to the brilliant value they offer — with many electric models now priced the same as, or even less than, their petrol equivalents.
“However, in a survey of over 11,000 UK drivers at the end of 2024, just 6% told Electrifying.com they felt confident buying a used EV for the first time — highlighting the need for better education and support to help more people benefit from the savings and enjoyable driving experience that comes with owning a used electric car.”
Some electric cars are cheaper than the petrol equivalents on the used market 
