• 64% of dealers say consumers' demand for used EVs is improving – the highest figure since the monthly question was first asked in May 2024
• However, fears remain over the volatility of EV values with only 28% saying the situation is getting better
• Also, only 38% of dealers say their enthusiasm for EVs is improving, shows April’s new Startline Used Car Tracker

This is the highest result since the question was first included in the monthly Startline Used Car Tracker in May 2024.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “This figure was just 50% last month and as low as 45% in our research as recently as November, suggesting that there has been quite a marked and rapid change in the views of dealers.

“Certainly, there are reports from a variety of sources that used buyer demand for EVs is now bordering on buoyant, with fast stock turnaround times and a general sense of maturity appearing in the market.”

However, while consumer demand for EVs might be improving, other findings from the April edition of the Startline Used Car Tracker were less encouraging for electrification. Only 38% of dealers say they are more enthusiastic about EVs, a fall from 43% last month.

One reason for this may be concerns over EV price and value volatility, with just 28% in the new research saying the situation is getting better, compared to 45% in March.

Additionally, 57% say the move to EVs is the single biggest challenge to the future of their business, ahead of finance availability at 52% and stock supply at 50%.                                                   

Paul said: “Taken together, all these statistics paint quite a complex picture when it comes to the used EV sector. While consumer demand is probably improving, there is clearly some concern among dealers that the journey to electrification is going to remain a bumpy one.

“Hopefully, we will see some help for the sector from the government when the results of the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate consultation become known, bringing a greater sense of stability and a clearer future roadmap for dealers.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 306 consumers and 58 dealers were questioned.