A major turnaround could be underway in the used electric vehicle market, with stronger demand, improving value performance and faster retail sales creating opportunities.

New data from Solera Cap HPI shows that while the wider used market remains under pressure, battery electric vehicles are showing increasing signs of stability.

The figures reveal that used EVs aged between three and four years are currently selling around six days faster than equivalent petrol models. That age bracket has become a ‘sweet spot’ for consumers seeking affordable electric motoring, with many models now available below the £20k mark.

The improving retail performance is also being reflected in values. Three-year-old EVs recorded a positive movement of 1.2% in May, a notable shift for a sector that has experienced sustained downward pressure since the post-pandemic correction began.For much of the past three years, falling EV values have made many dealers cautious about stocking electric cars, but Chris Plumb, head of current car valuations at Solera Cap HPI, said the EV market has entered a more stable phase.

“Consumer confidence is improving as used prices become more accessible, while buyers are becoming increasingly familiar with battery electric vehicles as a practical ownership proposition.

“Recent increases in fuel prices, driven by conflict in the Middle East and wider global uncertainty, are also helping to strengthen the appeal of EVs. When motorists face rising fuel costs, the running cost benefits of electric vehicles become much more apparent.”

However, he warned that there are clear winners and losers emerging on the used vehicle market.

The strongest performers are largely established, mainstream models with growing consumer recognition. Vehicles including the MG5, Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.5 and Mini Cooper Electric all recorded value growth of more than 5% at three years and 60,000 miles during June. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW i4, Volvo C40 and Volkswagen ID.3 also continued to strengthen.

The picture is less positive at the premium end of the market. Models such as the Genesis G80 EV, Lexus RZ, BMW i5, Volkswagen ID.7 and Jaguar I-Pace continue to experience value pressure. Many remain expensive in the used market and attract a narrower buyer audience, creating greater risk for retailers holding stock for extended periods.

Plumb added: “Well-known EVs priced below £25,000 are attracting strong levels of consumer interest and selling quickly when positioned correctly.”

But he warned that while demand is improving across the market, supply volumes are also increasing, and that will continue to influence values over the coming months.

That increase in supply is perhaps the most important consideration. Used EV volumes entering the market are around 50% higher than a year ago, driven by the maturation of fleet and salary sacrifice registrations. For now, demand is absorbing much of that stock, but the used car market will need to remain selective.

Used EVs among May’s quickest-selling cars

Used electric vehicles are selling quickly when price, age and model desirability align, according to new whole-market data from Brego.

The first edition of Brego’s Fastest Five, a new monthly snapshot of the quickest-selling vehicle derivatives across key market segments, shows that EVs featured strongly among the fastest-moving used cars in May 2026.

The Volvo C40 Recharge Core was the quickest-selling three-year-old car in May, taking an average of just 8.1 days to sell. The Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor and Volkswagen ID.3 Tour Pro S also appeared in the top five quickest-selling three-year-old cars, with average days to sale of 11.1 and 12.4 days respectively.

Brego’s Fastest Five also showed strong movement in the used EV market more broadly. The MG4 EV Long Range was the quickest-selling EV in May, averaging just 8.4 days to sale, followed by the Volvo C40 Recharge at 9.4 days, Volkswagen ID.3 at 12.4 days, Hyundai Ioniq 5 at 15 days and Tesla Model 3 at 15.2 days.

The data highlights the growing need for retailers, lenders and remarketing businesses to assess used EV performance at derivative level, rather than relying on broad assumptions about fuel type.

Rupert Pontin, head of insight and communications at Brego, said: “Used EV performance is often discussed as if it is one single market, but the reality is much more nuanced. Brego’s May data shows that the right EVs, at the right age and price point, can move very quickly.

“What matters now is understanding demand at derivative level. Some EVs are attracting buyers and selling in days, while others need much closer attention around pricing, positioning and market context.”

Brego’s Fastest Five also tracks the quickest-selling pre-registered cars, 10-year-old cars and Chinese derivatives.

In the pre-registered market, the Vauxhall Frontera 1.2 Hybrid GS was May’s quickest seller, averaging 8.7 days to sale at an average sale price of £21,674. The Jeep Avenger, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Citroën C4 and BYD Seal also featured in the top five.

Meanwhile, Brego’s Fastest Five also highlights the importance of age-band analysis, with the quickest-selling 10-year-old cars led by familiar high-volume used models including the Nissan Qashqai, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta.

Pontin added: “What stands out in May’s data is the variation between different parts of the used car market. Three-year-old EVs are showing real pace but speed of sale changes significantly by age band, fuel type, price point and derivative.

“That tells us the used market cannot be judged properly through broad averages alone. Retailers, lenders and remarketing businesses need to understand which specific vehicles are moving quickly, where demand is building and where pricing or positioning may need closer attention.”

Brego’s Fastest Five is based on Brego whole-market data and ranks vehicle derivatives by average days to sale, using a minimum threshold of 30 sales per derivative.