Sales of used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) soared in Q3, outstripping the growth in the wider used car market.

Sales of used EVs soared by 57.0% to 53,423 units, giving the largest-ever market share at 2.7%

A record 53,423 used BEVs found new owners in the last quarter, a jump of 57.0% and recording the largest-ever BEV market share at 2.7%. That’s up from 1.8% in the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Sales of plug-in hybrids and hybrids also rose, up 29.0% and 35.8% respectively. Petrol transactions were up 5.7% to 1,123,387 units while diesels fell 3.9% to 679,797 vehicles. Together, both ICE powertrain types accounted for 91.7% of the market.

Across all powertrain types, the used car market grew by 4.3% between July and September, marking the seventh successive quarter of year-on-year growth as almost two million vehicles changed hands following growth in the new car market. Superminis retained their long-standing popularity, with sales increasing by 5.0% to 637,865 units to make up 32.4% of all transactions. Lower medium and dual purpose cars were also up but the upper medium, executive, MPV, mini and luxury saloon segments recorded falls.

The rise in used BEV sales follows a prolonged slump that has seen values dive 50% over the last 24 months and prompted the BVRLA to launch its #happyEVafter campaign, calling on the Government to take action to avoid a crisis.

Auto Trader said it’s seeing strong consumer appetite for used EVs.

Ian Plummer, commercial director, remarked: “On our platform, demand has rocketed this year, especially among the ‘middle aged’ electric cars which on average are the same price, if not less than their petrol or diesel counterparts. They’re currently flying off forecourts 10 days faster than the rest of the used car market, which highlights just how vital a role affordable prices will play in the UK’s transition to electric.”

The SMMT said growth in the used car sector was being driven by an outstanding range of desirable and, increasingly, zero-emission vehicles to suit every budget.

But the industry has called for an urgent review of new EV market support and regulation to keep the UK’s transition on track.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Maintaining this [growth in the used car sector] depends on a healthy new car market, particularly for EVs. Giving consumers the confidence to switch from their familiar petrol or diesel vehicles requires confidence and incentives otherwise many would-be new car buyers will sit on their hands, leading to a diminishing market that will inevitably limit used car availability and affordability.

“This will be to the cost of motorists, the economy and the environment – making a review of support for the transition, and the regulation intended to deliver it, an urgent priority.”