Second hand electric cars are dropping off UK motorists’ shopping lists, according to some media reports. This is not good news for sales of new electric vehicles, because it questions whether these are wise investments. In the longer, run this could also impact the drive to decarbonize transport.
How Worried Are Second Hand Electric Car Buyers?
It depends on who you ask, they say, and potentially their agenda. One contributor describes itself as ‘a purpose-driven force for sustainability in business … to empower energy and environmental professionals’.
This pro-environmental agency suggests that second hand electric car sales in UK have ‘reached record heights’. It bases this on Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders findings we link to below:
- More than 41,500 pure electric cars were sold on the used market in the first quarter of 2024. This is a 71% uplift year-on-year.
- Similarly, the number of used hybrid and plug-in hybrid car sales rose by more than 42% to reach more than 96,500 vehicles during the quarter.
The agency attributes this renewed interest in second hand electric cars to more stock. But buyers are also wanting to reduce their carbon footprints, and avoid high petrol and diesel prices, it says.
Meanwhile, a popular UK news media channel takes a different view on the matter. They believe that demand for used electric cars is ‘struggling’, with dealers and customers hesitant to enter the market.
The main drivers, the news channel suggests, are battery charging ‘issues’ and ‘battery concerns’. The news media is concerned about this happening at a ‘pivotal point’ in the United Kingdom’s electrical transition.
But How Valid is This Small Sample?
A sample is only valid if it is representative. Electric car sales are still a very small fraction of total turnover, with gasoline commanding over 90% of the market in UK. We do know that new electric car sales are down, arguably because of the battery debate currently raging.
We would love to know what you think, our readers, about this topic. Please drop us a line in the comments page of this blog. If the feedback we receive is measured and thoughtful we’ll write it up.
More Information
Electric Vehicle Sales Good News for Batteries
Electric Car Value is Steadily Improving
