By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-11-07 09:26:48 | Updated at 2024-11-07 12:38:53
3 hours ago
Used electric car sales have surged to record levels, with more than 53,400 battery electric vehicles finding new owners in the last few months.
This marks a dramatic 57 per cent increase in used EV transactions between July and September compared to the same period last year.
The rise has pushed electric vehicles to their highest-ever market share in the used car sector, reaching 2.7 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in 2023.
Other low emission vehicles also saw significant growth, with plug-in hybrid sales climbing by 29 per cent and hybrid transactions increasing by 35.8 per cent.
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Used electric car sales have grown dramatically in recent months
PA/GETTY
The used car market has recorded its seventh consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth, expanding by 4.3 per cent between July and September, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
A total of 1.96 million vehicles changed hands during this period, representing 81,651 more transactions than the same period in 2023.
Traditional fuel types continue to dominate the market, with petrol and diesel vehicles accounting for 91.7 per cent of all sales.
Petrol car sales increased by 5.7 per cent to 1.12 million units, while diesel vehicle transactions declined by 3.9 per cent to less than 680,000 units.
Commenting on the data, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "Growth in the used car sector is good news and driven by an outstanding range of desirable and, increasingly, zero emission vehicles to suit every budget.
"Maintaining this depends on a healthy new car market, particularly for EVs."
The Ford Fiesta remained the most popular used car in the third quarter of 2024, with almost 78,000 transactions - more than 13,000 more than the second-placed Vauxhall Corsa.
Other notable second-hand cars to change hands include staples of British roads like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Mini and BMW 3 Series.
The Ford Fiesta remains the most popular used car in the UK
FORD
Superminis maintained their position as the most popular used car choice, with sales rising five per cent, representing 32.4 per cent of all used car transactions.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: "We are absolutely committed to delivering greener transport by supporting the transition to electric vehicles.
"The figures are excellent news, showing that electric vehicle sales in October are up a quarter compared to this time last year.
"With a market share of almost 21 per cent, the UK is now the second largest electric vehicle market in Europe. We will continue to support industry and consumers to make the switch, with over £300 million announced in the Budget to support uptake."
