Second-hand EV market is growing but 71% say they still wouldn’t buy one

Reviewed by: Greg Wilson
Founder & Insurance Expert

Written by: Katie Gawley
Insurance Content Writer

Fact-checked by: Quotezone Editorial Team

This content follows our Editorial Guidelines

Last Updated: Oct 2026
Read time: 4 min

The second-hand electric vehicle (EV) market is gaining momentum, but the majority of UK drivers remain unconvinced about making a used EV their next car, new research has revealed.

A survey from Quotezone.co.uk found that 71% of motorists would not consider buying a second-hand EV the next time they change their car, compared with just 26% who said they would.

The findings come as demand for used electric cars continues to grow. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), used battery electric vehicle transactions increased by 32% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching a record share of the used-car market.*

Used EV leasing is also on the rise, with data from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) showing a 170% increase.**

The growth has been linked to drivers looking to reduce the cost of running their cars, and the increasing number of used EVs from early adopters, who are now ready for their next EV.

However, Quotezone.co.uk’s research suggests confidence amongst drivers is yet to match the growing momentum of the used-EV market.

The biggest concerns are centred around the condition and longevity of the battery, with 28% of drivers saying the potential cost of replacing the battery would be their biggest worry when buying a used EV – with average costs of battery replacement estimated to be between £5,000 and £15,000, depending on the size, make and model of the vehicle.***

A further 23% highlighted driving range as the main thing putting them off switching, while 16% said battery health would worry them most.

Other aspects drivers were wary about included repair and maintenance costs (12%), insurance costs (4%) and charging speed (3%).

The importance drivers place on battery condition is particularly clear when they were asked whether they would buy a used EV if its battery had not been independently checked – with almost nine in ten (87%) saying they wouldn’t.

With more first-generation EVs now entering the used market, independent battery checks will likely become increasingly important in giving buyers confidence about the condition of the vehicle’s most expensive component.

Research suggests this reassurance can make a real difference, with used EVs carrying a battery health certificate selling more than a week faster on average than those without one.****

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “The second-hand EV market is at an interesting point. There are more electric vehicles becoming available to used-car buyers, and there’s a real opportunity for used EVs to become a more affordable way for drivers to make the switch to electric.

“But our research shows that, for most drivers, there’s still a big question mark over whether buying a used EV is a risk worth taking.

“With the Government looking to increase EV adoption, building confidence in the second-hand market will be an important part of making electric vehicles accessible to more drivers.

“For many the biggest hesitation isn’t necessarily whether an electric car can save them money – it’s whether they can trust the condition of the battery they are buying.

“The fact that 87% of drivers wouldn’t buy a used EV without an independent battery check shows just how important that reassurance is.

“Drivers considering buying a used EV should be sure to choose from reputable sellers, checking for an independent battery health certificate to give a clearer picture of the vehicle’s condition, while also checking its expected range and factoring in insurance and potential maintenance costs to help work out the true cost of ownership.

“Used EVs shouldn’t be ruled out simply because they’re older. As more models enter the second-hand market, buyers who do these additional checks and know what to look out for when it comes to the battery and the wider running costs could find they offer good value for money.”

Quotezone.co.uk can help drivers compare and find savings on petrol and electric car insurance.

References:
*https://www.smmt.co.uk/evs-charge-up-used-car-market-with-record-sales/
**https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/04/secondhand-ev-leasing-growth-uk-drivers-cut-petrol-costs
***https://www.bumper.co/blog/electric-car-battery-cost
***https://www.smmt.co.uk/used-evs-sell-a-week-quicker-with-battery-health-certification-says-generational/

Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during September 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

Photo credit – iStock.com Fenton Roman

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