Rising fuel costs accelerate interest in electric vehicles on Auto Trader
Auto Trader reports a 59% year-on-year surge in used electric vehicle (EV) demand in April 2026, driven by rising fuel costs, while EV prices rose 3% month-on-month. EVs now account for over 10% of used car transactions and sell in an average of 28 days, with 3–5-year-old models moving in just 25 days, marking the first month supply dropped due to high demand.
Used electric vehicle (EV) demand in the UK surged 59% year-on-year in April, according to Auto Trader, reflecting rising fuel costs and shifting consumer priorities. The data showed used EV prices increased 3% month-on-month, outperforming the broader used car market, while interest in petrol and diesel vehicles declined by 6.5% and 18.1%, respectively. EVs now account for more than one in ten used car transactions, with average sale times dropping to 28 days from 31 days in April 2025. For the first time, EV supply fell in April as strong demand outpaced new listings, particularly for 3–5-year-old models, which sold in just 25 days—the fastest-selling segment. Overall used car prices rose 1.8% month-on-month to £17,397, the largest increase since November 2021. Despite economic uncertainty, used car transactions remained resilient, up 3% year-on-year, with vehicles selling in an average of 27 days. Marc Palmer, head of strategy and insights at Auto Trader, noted that the used car market’s resilience underscores the essential role of car ownership for households. While broader economic conditions affect consumer sentiment, EVs are increasingly favored due to cost savings, with demand growth hitting its highest rate in over a year.
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