Demand for used EVs at dealers shot to record levels in September, Indicata has reported.

The firm’s September sales data shows EVs gained an 8.2% share of the UK used car market in September – a 0.6% rise from 7.6% in July. Sales of other powertrains fell or remained static except for petrol where sales rose by 0.4% to 46.3%.

At the same time, Indicata’s latest Market Watch report reveals the Market Day’s Supply (MDS) figure for EVs fell to a record low of 44 days in early September as consumers switch to zero-emission cars.

Market Days’ Supply is calculated from dividing the current supply of inventory by the average daily retail sales rate over the past 45 days, and a lower number signifies high demand and quick sales.

While the country’s top-selling used car remains the Ford Puma, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa, the fastest-selling used cars are currently all electric – the BMW i3, Tesla Model 3 and Mercedes EQB.

Dean Merritt, Indicata’s head of sales, said the firm’s wholesale MarketPlace used car platform has seen dealer used EV demand rise throughout the summer to cater for a growing consumer demand.

“It is another positive step forward for the used EV sector,” he reinforced.

A shortage of used cars also continues to hit the UK market; the ongoing fallout from restricted new car sales in 2021 and 2022 caused by Covid.

Indicata’s MDS figure for the UK currently ranges between 43 and 49 days, which is the lowest since June 2021 when the automotive industry was still reeling from the Covid epidemic.

“The industry has been looking to a strong September new car market to help kick start a growth in used car volumes. However, it looks as though it will be some time before supply fully meets demand. In the meantime, prices are likely to continue to rise,” said Merritt.