Used electric vehicle market in UK sees record growth with support from BVRLA campaign
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) is driving a concerted campaign to promote the benefits of used electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to bridge the widening gap between rising supply and consumer demand within the second-hand EV market. As part of its Used EV Week campaign, running from October 20 to 24, the BVRLA encourages industry professionals, companies, and stakeholders to support a sustainable and healthy market for used EVs. Adam Forshaw, head of communications at the BVRLA, emphasised that for the shift to zero-emission vehicles to be successful, all road users must have affordable access to cleaner, greener cars that meet their needs. The campaign promotes confidence in used EV purchases by enhancing buyer understanding of EV technology, finance options, and battery health metrics, alongside lobbying policymakers to accelerate market adoption and ensure long-term stability.
The significance of the used EV market in the UK’s transition to cleaner transport is becoming increasingly apparent, with data showing notable growth in used car sales overall. In 2024, the UK’s used vehicle market expanded by 5.5%, with over 7.6 million vehicles changing hands. More strikingly, used EV sales surged by 57.4%, totaling 188,382 units and capturing 2.5% of the market share. This surge in demand for affordable, cleaner vehicles highlights the growing consumer appetite for sustainable transport options beyond new car purchases. Industry voices note that leasing companies and fleet operators play a crucial role in introducing new EVs, which subsequently feed into the used market, emphasising the interconnected nature of vehicle supply in the zero-emission transition.
Beyond volumes, the economic value of the used EV market reflects the sector’s rising prominence. The market has recently surpassed £1 billion in value, driven by increases in supply and a reduction in prices, factors supported by government subsidies and tax incentives for new EVs. Experts anticipate that the availability of used EVs could more than double by 2025, further broadening consumer choice and making electric vehicles accessible to a wider audience. This growth trajectory underscores the importance of supporting policies and initiatives that help maintain affordability and confidence in used EVs, crucial factors for sustaining adoption momentum.
The surge in used EV sales signals robust consumer demand for lower-cost alternatives to new electric vehicles, making the second-hand market a vital component in achieving broader zero-emission goals. However, industry representatives caution that meaningful fiscal incentives remain necessary to support this trend and enable continued expansion of the market. The record-breaking figures from recent quarters, with second-hand battery electric vehicle (BEV) transactions reaching 3.4% of the market share and nearly 69,000 units changing hands in just one quarter of 2025, further validate the positive trajectory and vital role of the used EV sector in the UK’s green transition.
The BVRLA’s campaign seeks to harness this momentum by not only educating consumers but also by engaging with government bodies to ensure that regulatory and financial frameworks keep pace with the evolving market realities. By fostering a market environment where used EVs are affordable, reliable, and trusted, the initiative aims to unlock the full potential of the second-hand market as a cornerstone of the UK’s shift to zero emissions.