The used electric car market continues to go from strength to strength, with the second quarter of 2026 showing a huge 67% increase in transactions over the same period the year before. 

Car industry body the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), which released the figures, said that it was the strongest quarterly increase for EVs since 2024. 

The growth percentage is all the more impressive considering that supply of EVs has gone up, which means that over 110,000 used electric cars changed hands in the three months leading up to June 2026. 

Could canny secondhand buyers have read our list of the best used electric cars for 2026? There are bargains to be had as supply filters from new buyers to the used market. 

Electric cars helped bolster the secondhand figures, assisted by hybrid sales – overall car sales were largely flat overall, up just under 1% with petrol and diesel numbers both down. 

The increase in EV numbers helped push total car sales past two million in the second quarter of the year for the first time since 2021. 

In the first half of 2026 the total used market showed a tiny 0.2% growth on the same period in 2025, with buyers perhaps hesitant to make a switch of car with fuel prices high as a result of Donald Trump’s attack on Iran in February. 

James Hosking, managing director of AA Cars, said that more people were considering a used EV as prices continued to drop. 

“With fuel prices remaining unpredictable and the cost of living putting pressure on household budgets, motorists are becoming much more conscious of running costs when choosing their next vehicle.

“Price still remains one of the biggest factors for anyone buying a car. A year ago, many drivers may have looked at electric cars and decided they were simply too expensive. That picture is changing.”

Thinking about a used EV? Check out our listings with thousands of options to choose from for every budget.