The automotive market is rapidly changing. While petrol and diesel vehicles still dominate UK roads, interest in electric and hybrid models is growing. This shift is being driven by environmental concerns, advances in battery technology, and government incentives. As more drivers go electric, the used car market will evolve to offer more low-emission vehicles. This article explores the future of used car sales in the UK, with a focus on emerging electric and hybrid options.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicle (EV) sales have risen sharply in recent years. There are now over 400,000 purely electric cars on UK roads. Sales of new EVs reached a record high in 2020, overtaking diesel for the first time. Government grants, expanding charging networks, and more affordable models from mainstream brands have made EVs a viable option for motorists. Forecasts suggest around a third of new cars sold in 2030 will be fully electric. As the number of new EVs increases, so too will the availability of used models.
Many industry experts predict a boom in used EV sales over the next decade. Analysis shows that buying a 3-year-old electric vehicle could save UK drivers thousands compared to purchasing a new one. Savings will become even greater as technologies improve and prices fall. For motorists seeking an affordable, efficient and low-emission vehicle, used EVs are set to become very appealing.
The Growing Hybrid Market
Alongside pure electric cars, hybrids combining electric motors and combustion engines are also gaining ground. Mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid models offer motorists increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions. As with EVs, falling costs and more choices have led to rapid growth in new hybrid sales. Used hybrids make up a small but increasing share of the second-hand market.
With their advanced fuel-saving technologies, used hybrid cars offer excellent value for money. Strong demand from eco-conscious buyers means used prices are likely to hold up well. For motorists covering higher mileage, hybrids present a more practical option than pure EVs in many cases.
The used hybrid market looks set for solid growth as more low-mileage ex-fleet and leasing vehicles become available. This trend is expected across the UK, including in areas like Milton Keynes, where dealerships specialising in used cars Milton Keynes will likely see inventories expand.
More Affordable EVs on the Horizon
As leading carmakers launch new mainstream EVs with improved ranges, used prices on early models will begin to fall. This will make electric cars more accessible to a wider range of buyers. For example, the Mk1 Nissan LEAF pioneered affordable EVs. But early cars have a limited range of under 100 miles. Nicely priced used LEAFs are ideal city runarounds, while newer versions offer ranges approaching 200 miles. We will see this pattern replicate across many EV models – early adopters will trade up as technology improves, providing used buyers with increasing choices.
Hybrids Aid the Transition
For many motorists, a used hybrid can provide a stepping stone to electric driving. With their combination of electric motor and petrol engine, hybrids deliver useful electric-only range while avoiding ‘range anxiety’.
The used car market will open up more affordable electric and hybrid options for UK motorists over the coming decade. Early adopters trading in their EVs for newer models with longer ranges will create great value in the used electric market. Hybrids also look set to gain significant market share as motorists make the transition to electrification. For value, reliability, and low emissions, electric and hybrid cars will become very appealing choices.
