Car buyers are increasingly turning to the second-hand electric car market, with used EV sales on online used car platform Cinch rising 39% year-on-year in the first quarter.
Tesla’s Model 3 led the charge as the top-selling used electric vehicle on the platform between January and March, overtaking the Renault Zoe, which held the top spot in the same period a year ago.
Meanwhile, the Tesla Model Y claimed the title of fastest-selling used EV, highlighting continued consumer appetite for the brand’s expanding portfolio.
“We predicted 2025 would be a tipping point for EV adoption – and the data is now backing that up,” said Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at Cinch. “Petrol and diesel still dominate overall, but EVs and hybrids are clearly the fastest-growing segments.”
Cinch attributed part of the growth to falling prices in the used EV market, which dropped 4% year-on-year, making electric models more accessible to mainstream buyers.
The trend also coincides with a wave of interest in Chinese EV manufacturers. BYD, the Shenzhen-based car maker, saw a 300% rise in used car sales on the platform from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025. Omoda and Ora also posted quarter-on-quarter gains.
“Several Chinese car brands are beginning to gain real traction with UK buyers,” Sheehan added. “New entrants like BYD and Omoda are helping to diversify the EV landscape at a time when consumers are more willing than ever to explore alternatives.”
Other new names in the EV top 10 included the VW ID.3 and Jaguar I-Pace, while the Hyundai Kona Electric jumped from outside the rankings in Q1 2024 to fourth place this year. The Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq also made strong showings in Cinch’s fastest-selling EVs chart.
Across all fuel types, the Vauxhall Corsa emerged as the most sold car on Cinch in Q1 2025, retaining its lead from the previous quarter and outperforming perennial favourites such as the Nissan Qashqai and Mini Hatchback.
“With an affordable price point and a broad range of trims and engine types, the Corsa continues to appeal to budget-conscious buyers,” said Sheehan. “It’s a car that feels just as relevant in today’s market as it did a decade ago.”
Ford, Volkswagen, and Vauxhall were the most popular brands on Cinch’s platform, while SUVs continued their march as the preferred vehicle type for UK drivers. SUV searches grew 24% year-on-year, far outpacing hatchbacks (up 5%) and estates (down 1%).
Sheehan noted: “SUVs offer the elevated driving position and practicality that many buyers now prioritise – whether it’s for city driving or longer family trips.”
Consumer demand also appeared to respond to external factors. A cold snap in early January sent searches for cars with heated seats soaring 77% compared to the December daily average, underlining the role weather can play in influencing buyer behaviour.
