Consumer demand for used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has stalled due to the cost-of-living crisis, according to the latest Indicata data.

BEVs were the slowest-selling powertrain type in September

BEVs moved from being the fastest-selling powertrain type in August to the slowest-selling in September as the market turned to buying cheaper used petrol and diesel cars.

Motorists seeking a cheaper low-emission alternative to an EV in September switched to hybrids, with sales up 6.0% and stock turn on par with petrols and diesels.

Average used car prices increased in September by 0.4% – heralding the first growth in 2022 as buyers returned to the market post their summer holidays. However, used prices remain 3.5% down year to date and the UK is the only country in Europe still to report a price fall in 2022.

The Ford Fiesta led the top three used cars selling table followed closely by the VW Golf and Polo, while the fastest-selling used car changed again and saw Škoda’s Kodiaq take the lead last month.

“Our September report shows just how quickly consumer demand can change. Used car buyers couldn’t justify the price premium of used EVs in September and it will be interesting to see if this trend continues as the cost-of-living rises,” explained Jon Mitchell, Indicata UK’s group sales director.

“The used market remains in a strong position where demand exceeds supply and prices have risen again for the first time in nine months. This looks set to continue until if and when new car production levels start to rise again,” he added.