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Used electric car prices near parity with petrol and diesel models
Used electric car sales jumped 67 per cent in the second quarter, as prices move closer to those of combustion-engined cars and buyers gain a wider choice.
By George Kensington · 4 min read
Used electric cars are approaching price parity with used petrol and diesel models, making now a sensible moment for budget-conscious drivers to switch. After years in which second-hand electric vehicles struggled to attract buyers, amid unpredictable depreciation and worries about battery health, demand is rising sharply.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, used electric car sales rose by 67 per cent in the second quarter of this year, with more than 110,000 vehicles changing hands. That represents the biggest jump in second-hand electric car sales since 2024. Used electric vehicles are also showing signs of more stable prices than used petrol and diesel cars. They are not yet on a par, but the gap is narrowing.
Car manufacturers have spent recent years flooding the market with new and improved electric models, so the classifieds now offer a broad range of choice. Advances in battery technology and charging infrastructure have also reduced range anxiety, which was once one of the main obstacles for prospective buyers. Running costs are another draw: charging an electric car is considerably cheaper than refuelling a petrol or diesel model, particularly for drivers who can charge at home.
Whether a buyer needs an efficient family SUV with a real-world range of more than 300 miles or a small hatchback for city journeys, the choice is wider than ever. Autocar's road testers have compiled a shortlist of the best used electric cars on sale, judged on real-world range, efficiency, practicality, price, charging capability and long-term reliability. The selection is intended to help buyers match a car to their particular needs rather than to rank models on a single measure.
The Polestar 2 is named as the best used electric car overall. The handsome, practical liftback is pleasant to drive, and its real-world range and efficiency give it plenty of long-distance versatility. Starting used prices are around £15,000, with a real-world range of 230 to 290 miles and maximum charging speeds of 150kW.
For buyers seeking more driving engagement, the Porsche Taycan stands out for its incisive handling and whipcrack performance. Its second-hand price is surprisingly accessible, starting from about £28,000, with a real-world range of 210 to 260 miles and charging at up to 270kW. The Tesla Model 3 is recommended for long-distance driving thanks to its range and charging network, with used examples from around £9,000 and a real-world range of 220 to 310 miles.
Families and urban drivers have their own options. The Skoda Elroq, from about £21,000, offers modern compact family versatility with a real-world range of 210 to 320 miles and charging at up to 175kW. The Cupra Born, from about £11,000, combines driver engagement with practicality, with a real-world range of 180 to 290 miles and maximum charging speeds of 135kW. Buyers weighing these models should compare the starting prices and charging speeds against the range they expect to use day to day.
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