Used electric cars are attracting more attention from dealers, according to new figures from the Motorway National Car Index. The number of electric Vehicles (EVs) sold through Motorway rose 115% year on year, while the average price received by EV sellers increased 6%.
The Tesla Model 3 also topped Motorway’s list of its most in-demand cars. EVs listed on the platform attracted 29% more dealer bids than the average listed car.u
These figures do not mean every used EV is rising in value, or that every seller can expect a higher offer. They do suggest that dealers are competing for used electric cars on Motorway. For buyers, a growing selection makes it especially important to look beyond the asking price and check the individual car.
What do the figures show?
Motorway, the online car selling specialist, compared cars sold through its platform between 1 July and 8 September 2026 with the equivalent period in 2025. Its Index reports four notable findings for EVs:
- Used EV sales volume increased by 115%.
- The average price received by EV sellers rose by 6%.
- EVs attracted 29% more dealer bids than the average car listed on Motorway.
- The Tesla Model 3 ranked first on Motorway’s most in-demand cars list.
The rise in average sale price needs some care. It describes the average across EVs sold on the platform; it does not show that a particular model or individual car gained value over the year. The age, mileage, condition and mix of cars sold can all affect an average.
Why are more used EVs changing hands?
There is unlikely to be one explanation. More electric cars bought or leased new in previous years are now reaching the used market. That gives buyers a wider choice of models, ages and prices than they had during the earlier stages of EV adoption.
Range and charging may also feel less daunting to some drivers. The RAC reports that the average range of a new electric car is around 300 miles in 2026, compared with 235 miles in 2024. That is a useful sign of how newer EVs have developed, although the range of a used car depends on its model, battery, condition and driving conditions.
For a prospective buyer, the practical question is straightforward: Can this car cover your usual journeys, and where will you charge it? An EV that works well for a household with a driveway may be less convenient for someone who must rely on public charging. Charging costs can also vary considerably, so it is worth comparing likely running costs using the charging options actually available to you.
What does stronger dealer interest mean if you are selling?
More bids can give a seller more options. Motorway’s finding that EVs received 29% more dealer bids than its average listing suggests healthy dealer interest in the EVs offered on its platform during the period studied.
It is still sensible to compare offers for your specific car. Its battery health, service record, mileage, specification and overall condition can matter more to a buyer than a market-wide headline. Having the paperwork ready and describing the car accurately should make it easier for potential buyers to assess it.
Buying a used EV? Check the car, not just the market
A busy market does not remove the usual risks of buying used. Before committing to an electric car, consider these checks:
1. Review its history
Check the vehicle’s identity, MOT history, recorded mileage and other available history. A Total Car Check can help you investigate a vehicle before you buy. Make sure the details you find match the car and the seller’s description. A free Total Car Check includes free EV data on battery range, charger type, charging times and more.
2. Ask about battery health and warranty cover
Ask the seller for any available battery health report and check what the manufacturer’s battery warranty covers. Pay attention to its time and mileage limits, and confirm whether it still applies to the vehicle you are considering.
3. Test your charging plan
Check which connector the car uses, how quickly it can charge and whether suitable chargers are convenient for your regular journeys. If you expect to charge at home, establish what installation would involve before treating home charging costs as part of your budget.
4. Work out the total cost
Compare the purchase price alongside insurance, charging, tyres, servicing and any finance costs. A cheaper EV may be good value, but only if its range and charging needs fit how you will use it.
5. Inspect and test-drive it
Check the tyres, brakes, charging port, cables and equipment supplied with the car. During a test drive, make sure the vehicle charges as expected and that its displays and driver assistance features work. If you have concerns about the battery or charging system, seek an appropriate specialist inspection.
A promising market, but an individual decision
Motorway’s latest Index shows a substantial rise in EV sales through its platform and strong dealer interest in the cars listed there. That is encouraging for owners thinking of selling and for drivers considering an electric car for the first time.
For buyers, though, the best used EV is the one whose history, battery, range and charging arrangements stand up to scrutiny. Check those details before you let an attractive price make the decision for you.
Source: Motorway National Car Index, Q3 2026. Figures compare cars sold through Motorway from 1 July to 8 September 2026 with the equivalent period in 2025. Data was extracted on 8 September 2026.
Related blogs
- The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Used Electric Car
- Best Way to Sell A Used Car: What UK Sellers Should Look For
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