Funding for free or low-cost home chargers would be the most effective government boost to used electric car sales, dealers say.

Six out of 10 dealers (60%) said it would be the optimum government support to unlock EV demand among used buyers, according to research by Startline.

Also, 52% of dealers back low- or zero-interest loans, 52% want schemes to make charging available for those without space for a home charger and 50% support grants that reduce the purchase price.

Furthermore, 42% want to see subsidies on power to ensure low-cost home charging, 26% underwriting of residual values to make PCPs and personal leasing cheaper, and 23% removal of the pence-per-mile eVED road tax planned for 2028.

The research was carried out for Startline’s monthly Used Car Tracker poll, and follows calls from EV stakeholders including the BVRLA and the motor trade for support measures for used EVs, such as targeted grants or subsidies.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “We wanted to build a more detailed picture of which measures retailers thought would be effective.

“The top answer is a free charger and, at a typical cost of around £700-£1,500, this could prove to be a cost-effective solution. Of course, some targeted help is already available for charger fitting, but it is quite specific and not as generous. Plus, it doesn’t have the simple and effective appeal of knowing the government will supply your charger for nothing.

“There is also a wide range of support among dealers for other measures. Overall, the picture that emerges is they simply want help to make buying an electric car more financially attractive and charging it easier and lower cost.”

The research also asked dealers what level of government grant they thought would be needed to persuade the buyer of a £15,000 used car to choose electric over petrol, diesel or hybrid alternatives. The most popular answer was £1,500, mentioned by 39%, although 26% believed that £2,000 would be required.

Burgess said: “This is a fairly typical price point for a used electric car at the moment and from a policy point of view, the important finding is perhaps the cost of an effective subsidy is higher than that of fitting a charger. Overall, government resources might be better directed towards free chargers than discounting the price of the car.”

Compiled monthly by APD Global Research, the Startline Used Car Tracker this month questioned 301 consumers and 62 dealers.

EV charge points becoming a ‘must have’ for UK homebuyers

A new study by home charger firm Andersen Ev indicates that EV chargers are a big consideration for drivers – and a significant factor in UK property decisions.

More than half of UK car owners said they would be more likely to purchase a home with a pre-installed EV charger, with many stating it could directly influence their final choice.

The study also highlights that design matters: 50% of respondents believe it is essential that a home charger is aesthetically pleasing on the outside of their home

The influence of a pre-installed charge point when buying a home varies significantly by age. Eight in 10 (82%) of those aged 18 to 24 say an existing charger would positively influence their decision, compared with 33% of those aged 65 and over.

“As EV adoption accelerates, the home charging point has moved from a niche add-on to an essential feature for future-proofed properties,” said David Martell, CEO of Andersen EV. “Today’s home buyers increasingly expect convenience, efficiency and style, and a well-designed charge point can now play a meaningful role in a home’s appeal.”