UK used car values defied historical seasonal slowdowns for the third consecutive month, powered by a surging demand for electric vehicles.

Despite political turbulence, economic uncertainty and the distraction of the FIFA World Cup, trade values held firm across the UK.

Data from Solera Cap HPI reveals that average trade values at the benchmark three-year, 60,000-mile mark dipped by 0.6% during June, equivalent to around £130. The decline was considerably gentler than the long-term June average fall of around 1.1%, underlining the relative strength of today’s used car market.

The performance signals a welcomed period of stability after years of extreme market volatility.

Sales activity through June broadly matched seasonal expectations, with average days to sell edging up from 33 days in May to 34 days month-to-date. Performance continues to vary by retailer type. Car supermarkets remain the fastest-moving operators, averaging 29 days to sell stock, followed by franchised dealers at 31 days. Independent retailers continue to face a more mixed trading environment, with stock taking around 42 days to sell.

Jeremy Yea, senior valuations editor at Solera Cap HPI, said: “The used car market continues to show a level of resilience that is stronger than we would normally expect for this time of year. Retail demand remains measured rather than buoyant, but consumers are still buying when vehicles are priced correctly and offer clear value.”

June was also marked out by the continued improvement in the used electric vehicle market. Battery electric vehicles were the strongest-performing fuel type in both retail and wholesale channels. Used BEVs sold in an average of 29 days, making them the fastest-moving drivetrain in the market. At the same time, three-year-old BEV values increased by 0.8%, the second consecutive month of positive movement and one of the strongest performances seen since late 2024.

Yea elaborated: “We’re seeing stronger retail demand, improving wholesale conversion rates and growing evidence that buyers are becoming more comfortable with EV ownership. In some areas, demand is now beginning to outpace supply, which is helping support values.”

He cautioned: “That doesn’t mean every EV will perform equally well. The market remains highly selective and success still depends on factors such as age, range, specification and price point. However, the overall direction of travel is considerably more positive than it was six to 12 months ago.”

Diesel remained the weakest-performing fuel type, with values declining by 1.4% at the three-year point. Older vehicles also faced greater pressure, reflecting increasing volumes of higher-mileage stock entering remarketing channels.

Looking ahead, Solera Cap HPI expects July trade values to broadly follow traditional seasonal patterns, although demand for desirable three- to five-year-old vehicles is expected to provide ongoing support.

Used EV sales surge to record levels following Iran war

MarketCheck has published its own data showing a dramatic increase in used electric vehicle sales following the escalation of conflict involving Iran at the end of February.

During the first five months of 2026, a total of 142,671 used EVs were sold across the UK, compared with 92,748 during the same period in 2025.

The strongest growth occurred after the end of February. While used EV sales were already ahead of 2025 levels in January and February, volumes accelerated sharply during March and April.

March 2026 saw 32,880 used EVs sold, compared with 20,882 in March 2025. April followed with a new monthly record of 34,932 sales, nearly double the 18,114 recorded in April 2025.

The figures suggest that concerns around fuel prices and wider energy market uncertainty may have accelerated interest in electric vehicles during the spring.

Alastair Campbell from MarketCheck UK commented: “Used EV sales were already growing strongly at the start of 2026, but the pace of growth increased significantly from March onwards. Events in Iran have clearly played a large role.

“The timing coincides with growing instability in the Middle East and renewed concerns about global energy markets. While there are multiple factors driving EV growth, including improving affordability and greater vehicle availability, periods of uncertainty around fuel costs have historically encouraged more motorists to consider electric vehicles.

What is clear from the data is that demand for used EVs accelerated sharply during the spring, resulting in consecutive record-breaking months for the market.”

MarketCheck Used EV Sales Data