EVs Dominate the Fastest-Selling Used Cars in May

Electric vehicles are no longer just a growing part of the used car market,  they are now leading it.

Recent market data shows EVs and hybrids making up the majority of the UK’s fastest-selling used cars during May, highlighting a major shift in consumer demand as motorists look for lower running costs and better value amid continued fuel price volatility.

For MOT testers and independent garages, the trend is becoming impossible to ignore.

Used EV Demand Continues to Accelerate

According to recent market reports, electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for eight of the 10 fastest-selling used cars in May. Models such as the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 were among the quickest to leave forecourts, with some selling in little over two weeks.

Industry-wide figures back up the trend. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that used battery electric vehicle (BEV) transactions rose by 32% during the first quarter of 2026, even while the wider used car market remained broadly flat.

High petrol prices appear to be a major driver behind the surge, with motorists increasingly turning to EVs for lower day-to-day running costs.

Why Used EVs Are Selling Faster

Several factors are combining to make used EVs more attractive to buyers:

• Lower fuel and servicing costs
• Greater availability of ex-lease EV stock
• Falling used EV prices
• Improved public charging infrastructure
• Growing consumer confidence in battery longevity

Many three-to-five-year-old EVs are now reaching price points that place them directly against petrol and diesel alternatives, making them increasingly appealing to cost-conscious motorists.

At the same time, wider awareness of EV technology has improved significantly compared to just a few years ago.

What This Means for MOT Testers

While EVs still do not require emissions testing, their growing presence in the used market means MOT stations are seeing more electric vehicles entering workshops for routine inspections, tyres, suspension work and general maintenance.

For independent garages and MOT testers, this creates both challenges and opportunities.

Key areas garages need to prepare for include:

• EV-safe workshop procedures
• High-voltage awareness training
• Increased tyre and suspension work due to EV weight
• Battery health checks and diagnostics
• Technician upskilling

As the used EV parc grows, garages without EV capability risk losing customers to competitors who are already investing in training and equipment.

Hybrids Also Performing Strongly

The used market isn’t being driven by pure EVs alone.

Hybrid vehicles are also performing strongly, particularly among drivers who want improved fuel economy without fully committing to electric motoring. The SMMT recorded hybrid demand growth of more than 27% in early 2026.

For many motorists, hybrids remain a stepping stone between traditional ICE vehicles and full electrification.

The Bigger Picture for the Aftermarket

The rapid turnover of used EVs signals a broader shift in the UK vehicle parc that the aftermarket can no longer treat as “future planning”.

EVs are now becoming mainstream in the second-hand market — and that means increasing workshop demand over the next several years as these vehicles age beyond manufacturer warranties and dealer servicing packages.

For MOT testers and independent garages, adapting early could prove critical.

Those investing in EV training, tooling and technician confidence now are likely to be best positioned as the used electric car market continues to expand throughout 2026 and beyond.