Used EV ‘sweet spot’ dominates June's fastest-selling rankings as 3-5-year-old models lead demand
3-5-year-old electric vehicles (EV) continue to stand out as one of the most in demand segments of the used car market, with the latest data from Autotrader showing they remain among the fastest-selling cars in the UK. The figures highlight strong consumer demand for electric cars when the price is right, while also helping used EV prices stabilise year-on-year for the first time since December 2022.
Nine of the top 10 fastest-selling used cars in June are aged between 3 and 5 years old, while six of the top 10 are electric, underlining the strength of consumer demand for electric cars.
90% of the current top ten list of hottest selling used cars are low emission. The petrol hybrid MG ZS aged 1-3 years, ranks first overall, selling in a rapid 10 days, while the electric Kia Niro, aged 3-5 years, is second at 12 days. Just behind in third place at 13 days is the electric MG4, aged 3-5 years. Other electric models in the top 10 include the Polestar 2, Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai KONA and Volkswagen ID.3, highlighting the breadth of consumer demand for used EV stock.
The 3-5-year-old age cohort remains especially important for retailers, particularly as supply pressures continue to affect the 5-7-year-old middle market. Used cars in the 3–5-year bracket sell in 28 days on average, but EVs of the same age move even faster, taking just 21 days to sell - almost 10 days quicker than the wider used car market average of 30 days. This segment also accounted for nearly half (48%) of all used EV enquiries in May, making it a crucial part of the used market’s growing role in supporting wider EV adoption.
Autotrader’s Retail Price Index shows used EV prices were flat year-on-year in May, at 0.0%, marking the first time annual EV pricing has been non-negative since December 2022 and ending 40 consecutive months of decline. At the same time, used EVs are taking an average of 25 days to sell in June, ahead of petrol at 29 days and diesel at 33, and outperforming the wider used car market average of 30 days.
There’s understandably a lot of focus on new EVs and the ZEV mandate, but the used market has a critical role to play in making the electric transition work for more drivers and in keeping new EVs affordable through robust residual values. What we’re seeing in the data is encouraging: used EVs, particularly those in the 3-5-year sweet spot, are selling quickly because they’re hitting the right balance of choice, value and affordability. We’re moving in the right direction and for the first time we’re seeing many of the key used EV market metrics all in the positive.
“That said, there’s a real risk that geopolitical forces are causing a temporary sugar rush for the UK’s EV market as buyers respond to soaring petrol prices. We need stability within any policy framework and while some flexibility may be needed, the direction of travel must remain clear, and we would strongly urge against significantly diluting the 2030 target. Long-term certainty is vital for consumers and retailers, as well as manufacturers and investors, and consistent policy has been instrumental in driving vehicle choice, improving affordability and supporting investment in charging infrastructure.”
Fastest-selling used cars – June 2026 [1]
Slowest-selling used cars – June 2026
[1] Up to 16th June 2026
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