Why the Used EV Market Is the Biggest Opportunity in Automotive Right Now
How rising supply, better infrastructure and falling prices are creating the perfect storm for electric vehicle resale growth
The electric vehicle market has evolved rapidly over the past five years. What began as a niche for early adopters is now a core part of the UK’s transport and environmental strategy. But while attention often falls on new model launches and government incentives, a quieter, more lucrative shift is unfolding: the rise of the used EV market.
At VoltsMonster, we have our eyes firmly fixed on the future of automotive retail. Here is why we believe the biggest opportunity in this industry is not in new sales, but in resale.
A new phase of EV ownership is beginning
With electric vehicles now making up around 16 percent of all new car sales in the UK, the pipeline for second hand EVs is rapidly expanding. Leasing deals and salary sacrifice schemes have led to higher churn, meaning thousands of well-maintained EVs are entering the used market earlier than expected.
For buyers who previously saw electric vehicles as unaffordable, the tables have turned. Prices for three to four year old EVs are dropping to parity with their petrol equivalents. For dealers, brokers and resellers, this presents a rare alignment of supply, demand and interest.
Consumer attitudes are shifting
Two years ago, range anxiety was the number one objection to electric vehicles. Today, the conversation has moved on. Consumers are becoming more comfortable with public charging networks and many now see EVs as a smart financial choice, not just an ethical one.
Add to that the rising costs of petrol and diesel, plus growing restrictions on combustion engines in urban centres and it is clear that electric vehicles are no longer fringe purchases. They are becoming mainstream. But that shift will not happen solely through new car sales. The used market is what will make EVs accessible to the wider public.
Opportunity for dealers and independents
The used EV market is still underdeveloped. There is a lack of trusted information, inconsistent pricing across platforms and uncertainty around battery health. But that is also where the opportunity lies.
Forward thinking retailers who invest in educating their customers, offering warranty backed vehicles and presenting clear battery data are going to win trust early. Platforms like VoltsMonster exist to bridge this gap, helping both buyers and sellers navigate the transition with confidence.
Infrastructure is catching up
Charging infrastructure in the UK has improved significantly. Rapid chargers are now available on almost every major motorway and more residential streets are being fitted with kerbside solutions. As convenience improves, confidence in owning a used EV grows.
Conclusion: The time is now
The used EV market is not coming it is already here. With falling upfront costs, rising awareness and improving infrastructure, the demand for affordable electric vehicles is set to explode.
For dealers, resellers and independent garages, this is not a trend to watch. It is a wave to ride. The question is not if the used EV market will take off. It is who will be ready when it does.
