Combined, used electrified car transactions rose 30.9 per cent on 2024 to a record 770,378 units as the UK’s used car market grew in 2025.

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures show that demand for electrified vehicles of all kinds accelerated significantly, driven by an ever-increasing choice of models and the potential for lower running costs. Sales of used battery electric cars (EVs) surged 45.7 per cent year-on-year to a record 274,815 transactions, whilst also achieving a record 3.5 per cent market share, up from 2.5 per cent in 2024. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales rose by 6.3 per cent to 88,032 units, while hybrids (HEVs) increased by 28.6 per cent to 407,531 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive commented: “A third year of used car sales growth underscores the market’s resilience, with recovering new car demand revitalising choice and affordability – especially for EVs – in the used market. The record number of buyers making the switch signals growing confidence in zero and ultra-low emission motoring. Maintaining this momentum, however, and driving the fleet renewal needed to decarbonise our roads at pace, must start with ensuring a strong and sustainable new car market.”

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