Fuel prices are rising. Is now a good time to buy a used electric car?

Why are used electric cars becoming more popular?

According to the Startline Used Car Tracker, a survey of UK car dealers, higher fuel prices are now the biggest reason behind growing interest in used electric cars.

Other reasons include:

• More used electric cars being available

• Lower prices than a few years ago

• More places to charge

• More people feeling confident about electric car batteries

Dealers also say more people are asking about electric cars and that used electric cars are selling faster than before.

August 2026 Autotrader data shows that 3-5 year-old EVs are selling 10 days faster than the used car market average.

Why are fuel prices going up?

Fuel prices can change for lots of reasons, including changes in the global oil market and problems with oil supplies.

When petrol and diesel prices go up, it can make a big difference to household costs, especially if you use your car every day for work, family trips or getting around.

That's why some people are starting to compare the cost of petrol and diesel cars with electric cars.

Used electric cars are cheaper than they used to be

Used electric cars are now much more affordable than they were a few years ago.

There's also more choice.

Demand is growing, however, which could mean prices for some popular models do not fall as quickly as they have in recent years.

The best thing to do is compare a few different cars and look at the full cost of owning them.

Can a used electric car save you money?

It can, especially if you can charge at home.

There are now more used electric cars on the market, giving people more choice across different sizes, ages and prices.

But it's important to look at all the costs, not just the price of the car.

Charging at home can be much cheaper than petrol or diesel

If you can charge at home on a low-cost electricity tariff, it can cost as little as around 2p per mile.

A petrol car can cost around 18p per mile in fuel.

You may need to pay to have a home charger installed, but if you have off-street parking, the lower cost of charging can help make up for this over time.

How much you save will depend on your electricity tariff, how much you drive and the type of car you have.

What if you cannot charge your electric car at home?

Not everyone can charge an electric car at home.

If you don't have a driveway or off-street parking, you might need to use public chargers more often. These can cost more than charging at home.

This means an electric car might not save everyone the same amount of money.

Government recognises that some households face challenges when switching to an electric car. Support is being introduced to make charging easier for people without off-street parking, including help with some home and on-street charging options.

Before buying an electric car, it is worth checking what charging options are available near your home and how much they cost.

Are electric cars cheaper to maintain?

Electric cars usually need less day-to-day maintenance because they have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars.

They don't need engine oil changes, new spark plugs, timing belts or exhaust repairs.

However, some repairs can cost more because electric cars use specialist parts and may need specialist garages.

As with any used car, it is a good idea to check the service history and warranty before buying.

What about the new pay-per-mile charge?

From April 2028, electric car drivers will pay a new charge based on how many miles they drive.

Fully electric cars are expected to pay 3p per mile, while plug-in hybrid cars are expected to pay 1.5p per mile.

This means electric cars will not be as cheap to run as they are now, especially for people who drive a lot of miles.

Even with this new charge, electric cars are still expected to cost less to run for many people, especially those who can charge at home for a lower price.

How long do used electric car batteries last?

Battery life is one of the biggest questions people have when buying a used electric car.

The good news is that we now know much more about how electric car batteries perform over time.

Many electric cars have now been on the road for several years, and most batteries continue to hold a large amount of their original charge.

Battery health checks are now available. These can help show you how well the battery is working before you buy the car.

Many electric car batteries also come with long warranties from the manufacturer.

If you're buying a used EV, check:

• The battery health

• How much warranty is left

• The car’s service history

• How far the car can travel on a full charge

Is a used electric car right for you?

A used electric car could be worth considering if you are thinking about changing your car.

There are more models to choose from and prices are lower than they were a few years ago, but it will not be the right choice for everyone.

Before you decide, think about:

• How many miles you drive

• Whether you can charge at home

• How much public charging costs near you

• The price of the car

• The battery health

• Insurance and repair costs

• The new mileage charge coming in from 2028

The best way to decide is to look at what works for you and your everyday journeys.

Explore our full guide to switching to an electric vehicle in Wales, including information on costs, charging and what to think about before making the switch.

You can also read Autotrader’s guide to buying a used electric car for more tips on buying second-hand.