Sales of new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the UK increased dramatically in the first quarter of 2022. But, perhaps more interestingly, second hand EVs are also selling in increased numbers.
According to new figures published by the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), secondhand EV sales doubled over the same quarter of a year earlier.
The auto body also noted used car sales are growing during the first quarter of 2022. This follows two consecutive quarters of decline.
As SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes points out, “this is somewhat unsurprising given the UK was in the midst of a lockdown during the first three months of 2021.”
But, he adds, the 5.1% growth over that period is welcome news for the industry.
Car owners moving onto second EVs
Of even greater importance, however, was the number of electric vehicles that are beginning to filter through to their second owners.
Sales of second-hand battery-electric cars increased by 120% in the first quarter of 2022 and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrids also saw growth of 35.3% and 28.8% respectively.
The actual numbers are still small, however. Out of 1.78 million used cars sold in the period, plug-in vehicles accounted for just 3.6 per cent. But this is up from 1.6 per cent in the same period in 2021.
This number – about 64,000 vehicles – includes both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Full battery electric vehicle sales went from 6,625 to 14,586.
“With the new car market hampered by ongoing global supply shortages, growth in the used car market is welcome, if unsurprising especially given we were in lockdown last year,” said Hawes.
“Electric car sales are energising the market, with zero-emission vehicles starting to filter through in larger numbers to consumers looking forward to driving the latest and greenest vehicles.
“Although there is some way to go before we see the recent growth in new EVs replicated in the used market, a buoyant new car market will be vital to help drive fleet renewal which is essential to the delivery of carbon savings.”
Several aspects of this news are unsurprising. Not least is the return to growth in the used car market. This is amid global automotive sector struggles with a barrage of supply chain constraints. With renewed COVID-19 troubles in China and Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, used cars are in demand.
Similarly, however, the growth in second-hand BEVs highlights the beginning of maturation in the sector. BEV owners are moving on to their second or third electrified vehicle. In turn, grows the pool for second-hand and third-hand EVs and hybrids.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.