Dealer resistance to used EVs is falling, finds study
Used car dealers are becoming increasingly positive in their opinions about electric cars, according to new research.
Polling by Startline Motor Finance found that the proportion of dealers saying electrification is among the biggest threats to the used car sector has dropped by 15% in the last six months.
Large parts of the secondhand car industry have been resistant to EVs in the past amid volatile prices and a lack of understanding of the products. However, Startline’s Paul Burgess said that calming values and growing familiarity seem to be softening opposition among dealers,
The poll of used car sales staff found that when asked to name the biggest threats to the used sector, the percentage of dealers mentioning EVs fell from 69% to 54% between July and December. It also found that concerns around the volatility of values had dropped from 40% to 27% and those who believe charging infrastructure is a problem has dropped from 52% to 42%.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “Electrification already represented a massive challenge for used car dealers even before the roller coaster ride we’ve seen in EV values over the last couple of years. As a result, there has been widespread scepticism about the viability of the switch to electric cars.
“However, our research suggests that feeling may be softening. The truth is that more and more people working in the used car sector are buying and selling EVs regularly, becoming accustomed to their pros and cons, and starting to see them as just an ordinary part of their stock mix.
“We are at a stage where increasing numbers of used EVs are about to enter the market, having been defleeted by major operators, and this should lead to a further acceleration of this process. Quite soon, retailing EVs will be unavoidable for the vast majority of used car dealers.”
Recent figures from Cinch and the SMMT, as well as Startline’s own used vehicle tracker have shown a huge surge in interest in used electric cars. Cinch reported a 311% increase in secondhand EV sales in 2024 and Auto Trader said that EVs were being sold faster than any other fuel type.
A growing selection of models and falling secondhand values are thought to be driving the growth, along with drivers becoming more aware of the potential running cost benefits.
