BCA data shows strong demand for used EVs despite industry caution

British Car Auctions (BCA) reports that used electric vehicle (EV) activity in the UK reached record levels in August, with EVs outperforming petrol and diesel models.

BCA said EVs showed the highest rate of first-time conversions and the best performance in both monthly and live CAP evaluations. The firm noted this trend despite industry concern over residual values for used EVs.

The concern follows the UK Government’s introduction of the Electric Car Grant on 15 July 2025. Details on which vehicles qualify for the scheme were still awaited, but BCA reported that buyer interest in used EVs did not fall during the month.

BCA adjusted live pricing for a three-year-old vehicle with about 60,000 miles to reflect ongoing strength in the market. The company added that summer inventory levels remain healthy and that it continues to transact more than 1,000 used EVs each week, indicating that limited supply is not the main driver of rising prices.

BCA highlighted recent product updates aimed at supporting trade buyers. The firm introduced a Battery Health Grading for electric vehicles last year and released an upgraded EV report certificate in July that adds comparative features across similar models, ages, and mileages.

BCA recommended that sellers take steps to maximise returns. Advice included investing in pre-sale preparation, documenting cosmetic and mechanical condition, reporting battery health clearly, using real-time pricing data for valuation, and marketing vehicles to the largest relevant buyer audience at the right time and channel.