EV transactions rose two-thirds (67 per cent) as market share hit a record 5.5 per cent as the UK’s used car market returned to growth in the second quarter, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

In the second quarter, EV transactions rose to 110,761 units, the strongest quarterly growth since Q1 2024. Demand rose particularly sharply in April and May (up 110.9 per cent and 57.6 per cent respectively compared with 37.8 per cent in June), coinciding with fuel price rises linked to the Middle East conflict and set against a relatively weak performance last year when VED changes came into effect.

Hybrid electric vehicle sales also rose, up 31.2 per cent to 130,825 units, increasing their market share to 6.5 per cent, however, plug-in hybrid transactions fell by 6.8 per cent.

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