‘Middle-aged’ EVs race ahead as UK’s fastest-selling used cars

Electric vehicles are surging in popularity in the UK’s second-hand market, with seven out of the ten fastest-selling used cars this month running on electric power, according to new data from Autotrader.

On average, used EVs are selling in just 27 days — faster than any other fuel type. Even more striking, so-called “middle-aged” EVs, those between three and five years old, are leaving forecourts in only 22 days, making them the quickest-selling segment of the entire used car market.

Despite the strong performance of electric models, the petrol-powered Vauxhall Corsa has taken the crown as the UK’s fastest-selling used car so far in September. Vehicles less than a year old are averaging just 11 days on the market before being snapped up, underlining the enduring appeal of the Corsa among British buyers.

Tesla’s Model Y, the MG ZS, and the Hyundai KONA — all in the 3–5-year-old age bracket — are also performing well, each selling in just 17 days, a full 10 days faster than the EV market average.

Autotrader data shows that used cars are currently selling in 29 days on average, an improvement on the previous three-month average of 30 days. Analysts say the quicker turnaround is a sign of a healthy, resilient market buoyed by solid buyer activity.

Marc Palmer, Head of Strategy and Insights at Autotrader, said the shift reflects growing consumer appetite for affordable and environmentally conscious vehicles:

“Our top ten list this month, which is dominated by ‘middle-aged’ EVs, proves that when the price is right, there is an appetite from buyers to make the switch to electric. And the market as a whole is steadily accelerating too. For retailers, the opportunity is huge, but success depends on leveraging the latest market intelligence to price precisely, hit demand, and turn stock quickly while protecting margins.”

While EVs are surging, diesel is struggling. Diesel models account for half of the ten slowest-selling used cars in September, with an average time-to-sell of 31 days — two days slower than the market average. The data highlights the continuing decline in consumer appetite for diesel, as buyers increasingly turn to cleaner alternatives.