Used EV sales were up almost a third in the first quarter of 2026 as overall volumes were flat, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. 

Just over two million cars changed hands during the three month stretch, with a decline of 0.2% on the previous year’s figures – but it was March’s numbers that will cause eyebrows to raise, with sales down more than 2% as fuel prices surged. 

Secondhand EV sales were up almost a third, but that does have to be put in the context of a smidge under 87,000 sales out of those two million used swaps, which the SMMT says represents one in 23 used buyers during January to March. 

The SMMT did say in April’s new car sales results that the UK had passed two million EVs registered to drive on the roads, which shows that buyers are currently hanging onto their electric vehicles rather than selling them on. 

Black was the most popular colour of used car in the first quarter of 2026, though even the sixth bestselling red shifted twice the number of electric cars. 

SMMT boss Mike Hawes welcomed the boost in EV sales, but called for continued incentives to ensure a good flow of used EVs onto the market: “High fuel prices, given the conflict in Iran, may increase demand even further, but to maintain this momentum, every fiscal and policy lever must be pulled to ensure a healthy new car market that delivers zero emission vehicles that can in future flow through to the used market.”