Used EV sales growth so far this month is leaving the UK market facing an unprecedented supply crunch for zero-emission cars, according to Indicata.

EVs were the third best-selling powertrain in early May, according to the firm’s latest Market Watch used car report.

Demand has been so high for used EVs since the Middle East conflict forced fuel prices sky high that the market is now in short supply of zero-emission cars.

EVs accounted for 11.1% of all used cars sold in the UK in early May while petrols accounted for 43.3% and diesels 22.4% in first and second place. Meanwhile, sales of plug-in and mild hybrids fell back into fourth and fifth place respectively.

The Market Days’ Supply (MDS) of used EVs fell again in May to a record low of 29 days from 41 days in April. That means the UK has just 29 days of used EV supply left if the sales stay at their current level. This figure remains the lowest in the 16 European countries Indicata publishes its Market Watch report for the second month running.

MDS is derived from dividing the current supply of inventory by the average daily retail sales rate over the past 45 days. A lower number signifies high demand and quick sales.

The growth in popularity of used EVs was further reinforced by Indicata’s top three fastest-selling used cars being all electric with the Volvo C40 topping the list followed by the BMW iX3 and Cupra Born.

“The speed at which the demand for used EVs has changed is incredible. Even before the Middle Eastern conflict we had started to see a gradual rise in popularity for used EVs, but the recent huge increase in ICE fuel prices has sent demand through the roof,” explained Neil Frost MD of Autorola UK, parent company of Indicata.

“Amazingly used EV prices haven’t yet responded, but if demand continues at this level, we expect to see prices start to climb,” he added.