Demand for used BEVs continued to rise in 2024, up 57.4% to a record 188,382 units year on year.
BEV market share rose 2.5%, up from 1.7% in 2023 and 13 times larger than back in 2019, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Sales of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrids (HEVs) also grew, up 32.2% to 92,120 units and 39.3% to 306,114 units year on year.
Overall, the UK’s used car market grew by 5.5% to 7,643,180 transactions in 2024, according to the latest figures published today by the
Marking eight quarters of continuous growth, the year saw 400,488 more vehicles change hands than in 2023, with growth in the new car market fuelling availability and wider choice within the used sector.
The top three popular body types remained the same for another year, with superminis taking the top spot, accounting for one in three (32.3%) of all used cars sold in 2024.
Lower medium held second place, with a 27.1% share of the market and dual purpose vehicles rounded off the podium, making up 15.9% of sales.
Dual purpose recorded the strongest rise in volumes, up 10.7%, reflecting they are now the bestselling segment in the new car market. At the other end of the spectrum, luxury saloons represented just 0.5% of the market.
While grey remained most popular in the new car market, black cars were favoured among used car buyers, with more than 1.6 million (21.3%) opting for the colour.
Grey was second, with a 17.6% share and blue third, taking 16.2% of sales. Combined, the top three hues accounted for more than half (55.1%) of all cars sold.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “The used car sector’s 25-month growth streak is good news for fleet renewal and for consumers benefitting from the greater choice filtering through from the new market.
“Record sales of second hand EVs also demonstrates strong appetite for these cutting-edge cars at lower price points.”