Demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) outpaced supply in October as newer, younger models hit the market. Latest figures from Dealer Auction’s EV Performance Review (EVPR) show a
Demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) outpaced supply in October as newer, younger models hit the market.
Latest figures from Dealer Auction’s EV Performance Review (EVPR) show a bumper October for the sector, with AFVs traded between dealers coming in younger, more profitable and with lower mileages than the previous month.
The average age of AFVs fell from 4.5 years in September to 3.8 years in October, while the average mileage dropped from 46,804 to 38,263 miles. Both are significantly below the platform’s overall averages (8.3 years and 70,634 miles), underscoring robust demand for newer, well-maintained AFVs.
Dealer Auction marketplace director Kieran TeeBoon noted: “In a month of strong metrics, the age and mileage profiles stood out. Industry wide demand for 3- to 4-year-old hybrids and EVs is outpacing supply, reflecting the impact of the pandemic years. However these ‘middle-aged’ EVs are the perfect mix of trade and consumer demand from an age, mileage and price perspective.”
Both Autotrader and Indicata Market Watch recently noted that younger AFVs are selling faster than ever. Indicata also reported that sub-two-year-old vehicles now make up a record 31% of used stock, driven by the influx of nearly new electric models into the market.
The average retail margin on the Dealer Auction platform rose to £2,953 in October and bids jumped to 5,332, reflecting a “healthy appetite”.
Among dealers, the Volvo XC90 hybrid once again stole the show for profit, achieving an average margin of £6,696, the highest on record and its fifth consecutive month at number one. The model also climbed from 10th place in September to fourth in October on the best-seller chart.
The Lexus RX Hybrid (£4,149) and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (£3,209) followed closely, while the Suzuki Ignis Hybrid entered the top 10 for the first time with £2,328.
Hybrid models dominated September’s top 10, with the Volvo XC90 “hybrid” achieving record returns.
The Mitsubishi Outlander emerged as the fastest-selling and best-selling AFV in October, averaging 26 days to sell, and also secured the top selling position overall. The Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Kona topped the charts for CAP Clean performance, delivering solid margins of £2,860 (98.2% CAP) and £2,399 (98.8% CAP) respectively.
TeeBoon concluded: “As we enter the final months of 2025, there are certain models that dealers can’t get enough of. Hybrid models such as the Volvo XC90 are offering dealers a reliable, profitable path through a fast-evolving market.”
With all eyes now on next week’s Autumn Budget, Dealer Auction spotlighted the need for used EV incentives to help shore up the sector.
“As attention turns to the Autumn Budget this month, dealers, companies and fleet managers will be watching closely. New EVs have made remarkable progress but uptake still trails behind mandated targets and the gap could widen due to proposed changes to Employee Car Ownership schemes (ECOs). This could reshape fleet remarketing and the supply of younger vehicles in the used market, tightening competition for the most desirable stock. It will be interesting to see if any support is announced!” said TeeBoon.
