Used electric car demand jumps 40% as diesel falls

Autotrader’s September 2026 data shows demand for used electric cars surged 40% year‑on‑year, outpacing a 26% rise in supply and driving the only fuel‑type price growth, while diesel demand fell 19.2% and prices slipped, signalling a shift dealers must heed.

Key takeaways

• Used electric car demand rose 40% in September 2026.
• Average used EV price increased 2.8% to £25,091 year‑on‑year.
• Diesel demand dropped 19.2% and average price fell 0.8%.
• Petrol values fell 1% ending 17 months of price growth.
• Overall used‑car market remained stable with average price £17,299.

Electric vehicle demand outpaces supply

Interest in second‑hand electric vehicles surged in September 2026, with demand rising 40% compared with the same month last year. Supply grew only 26%, creating a clear imbalance that lifted retail values.

Average used EV prices climbed 2.8% year‑on‑year to £25,091, making electric cars the sole fuel category to record annual price growth in Autotrader’s Retail Price Index.

Diesel and petrol markets contract

Diesel models saw demand plunge 19.2% amid record fuel costs, while supply fell a modest 6.8%. Average diesel prices slipped 0.8% to £13,924.

Petrol cars experienced a 5.8% demand drop, matched by a 5.7% supply reduction. Their average values fell 1% to £14,625, ending a 17‑month streak of price gains.

Age‑related price trends and model performance

Vehicles under one year old recorded a 2.7% decline in like‑for‑like values, and models aged one to three years fell 2.4%. Older stock proved resilient; cars aged 10 to 15 years posted a 5.6% price increase.

Among models, the Porsche Boxster topped price rises at +21.6% to £22,063, followed by the Renault Zoe (+15.2%) and Mercedes‑Benz SL (+12%). Conversely, the Nissan Ariya led price drops at -17.9% to £23,146.

What this means for dealers

Dealers should prioritise sourcing used electric models, as strong demand and limited supply support higher margins. At the same time, softer diesel and petrol markets suggest cautious inventory levels for those fuel types.

Pricing strategies need to reflect vehicle age, with older cars offering growth opportunities while near‑new stock may require discounts to move quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Why are used electric vehicles gaining price momentum?

Higher consumer interest, tighter supply of second‑hand EVs and rising fuel costs for traditional engines combine to push used EV prices up, as Autotrader’s September 2026 data shows a 40% demand surge and a 2.8% price rise.

How should dealers adjust stocking for diesel models?

With diesel demand down 19.2% and average prices slipping, dealers should reduce exposure to diesel stock, focus on competitive pricing, and consider reallocating floor‑space to higher‑growth fuel types such as electric and hybrid models.

What impact does vehicle age have on pricing strategy?

Cars under three years old are seeing price declines of around 2% to 3%, while vehicles aged ten to fifteen years are enjoying price growth of 5.6%. Dealers can use this data to offer discounts on newer stock and maintain or increase margins on older, appreciating models.