EVs power used car market to third year of growth

The UK’s used car market recorded its third consecutive year of growth in 2025, with transactions rising 2.2% to 7,807,872 vehicles, as improving new car supply fed through to the second-hand market and demand for electrified models surged, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Electrified vehicles were the standout performers. Sales of used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) jumped 45.7% year on year to a record 274,815 units, lifting BEVs’ market share to an all-time high of 3.5%, up from 2.5% in 2024. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) also grew, rising 6.3% to 88,032 transactions, while hybrids (HEVs) surged 28.6% to 407,531 units.

In total, used electrified car transactions climbed 30.9% to a record 770,378 units, meaning almost one in 10 (9.9%) used cars sold in 2025 was electrified. The growth reflects expanding model choice and improving affordability, alongside growing consumer confidence in lower-emission motoring and the prospect of reduced running costs.

Despite the rapid rise in EV uptake, petrol and diesel models continued to dominate, accounting for 89.9% of used car transactions. Petrol remained the most popular powertrain, edging up 1.5% to command 56.7% of the market, while diesel sales declined 3.5%, falling to 33.1% share.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said the figures underline both the resilience of the used car market and the growing role of electrification:

“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.”

He added that sustaining the momentum will depend on continued strength in the new car market: “Driving the fleet renewal needed to decarbonise our roads at pace must start with ensuring a strong and sustainable new car market.”

With electrified models now approaching 10% of used transactions, the SMMT said the second-hand market is becoming an increasingly important engine of the UK’s transition to cleaner mobility, widening access to EVs beyond early adopters and premium new car buyers.