- Auto Trader data shows a 161% YoY increase in electric stock advertised by independent retailers as they react to changing supply landscape.
- A third of all independent retailers have advertised EVs on Auto Trader since 2023
- James McConville, Company Director at Solo Cars: EVs keep us “up-to date with consumer demand”
Month-on-month new EV sales are building upon an ever-increasing strong market share of new vehicle registrations. However, for many second-hand is how they purchase cars and the independent second-hand retailer network is a crucial component to automotive within the UK.
Today (June 11th), Auto Trader has released some timely insights into the second-hand EV market for independent retailers, notably how access to an ever-growing pool of EVs as three-year lease options end, boosting second-hand vehicle stock has had a positive effect on the forecourts of independent retailers.
To note, context is important, and for automotive retailers having to navigate dramatically shifting stock dynamics, in part due to the COVID shortfalls of ICE vehicles alongside the growth in the EV retail market. This has led to a rapid changing profile of vehicles on forecourts across the UK.
Over the past 12 months, petrol supply has remained flat (+0.1%), while diesel availability has dropped by -12.8%. In contrast, the supply of used electric vehicles has surged by nearly half (+44%) year-on-year (YoY), albeit starting from a lower base.
For Solo Cars, adapting to the market by stocking electric cars has kept us up-to-date with consumer demand, and we foresee this electric demand increasing as time goes on. Before February 2025 we had only sold 12 Teslas in total, in February we sold 12 in 28 days, highlighting how you can capitalise on market trends. Acting now still makes us an early adopter and helps us to most of that early data to profit down the line.
James McConville – Company Director | Solo Cars
As independent retailers respond to changing consumer demands, their sourcing strategies are having to evolve to respond to changes in demand. Now, as three-year lease agreements come to end, there is now a strong surplus of EVs entering the second-hand market, fueling this significant shift on forecourts.
Starting from a lower base, larger increases are expected from independent retailers, explaining the 161% YoY increase in electric stock advertised by them. Since 2023, a third (33%) of independent retailers have stocked at least three EVs for at least 15 days, resulting in a 24% leap in the time period.
For franchise retailers having sold new EVs for years now and benefitting from product training, growth is smaller. Data shows on average a 39% increase in the number of EVs advertised by franchise retailers.
Ian Plummer, Auto Trader’s Commercial Director commented on the data:
To adapt to this fast-changing retail landscape, retailers need to adopt broader sourcing strategies. Our advanced tools provide real-time insights to empower retailers to buy with confidence and optimise their stock mix, ensuring they maximise profit potential on every vehicle.
With strong demand for electric, it’s vital retailers use data to inform pricing and sourcing strategies for this new and perhaps unfamiliar part of the market where gut instinct alone can no longer be relied upon. Used electric vehicles are a great option for many drivers and importantly represent a significant opportunity for retailers.
As more high-quality used EVs enter the market, underpinning the broader emobility shift, the second-hand marketing is providing an ever-increasingly affordable access point for consumers to make the switch.
If you are a retailer looking to start your electric journey, do use Auto Trader’s fantastic resources below:
- On demand Retailing electric vehicles modules in Insight Academy
- In person insights clinics
- The EV Hub
- The Road to 2030 Report
