The automotive market continues to evolve, and one thing is becoming increasingly clear: used EVs are no longer a niche opportunity. They are becoming a core part of the wholesale and retail landscape.
While uncertainty around electric vehicles (EVs) hasn’t disappeared completely, dealers are becoming more confident as more quality stock enters the market and consumer demand continues to mature.
Franchise retailers and group buyers therefore have a unique chance to step in to meet the surging consumer demand for quality used EVs. Here’s how you can ride the EV wave and capitalise on any opportunities.
A market that’s maturing
Manufacturers remain committed to electrification, but the conversation around EVs has become far more balanced than it was a few years ago. Rather than asking whether electric vehicles will succeed, dealers are now asking which models represent the best buying opportunities.
Dealer Auction’s latest EV Performance Reviews show that the market is evolving month by month. June delivered the strongest average trade margin for alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) since November 2024, alongside increases in average sold price and bidding activity. At the same time, our recent reports have highlighted changing buyer demand, with hybrids enjoying particularly strong performance in some months, before BMW’s electric and hybrid range led the market in June.
The message is clear: success isn’t about backing one fuel type over another. It’s about using data to identify the used EVs and hybrids that buyers want right now.
Read June’s full EV performance review here.
How data can help dealers get the edge
Experience will always play an important role when buying stock, but the alternative fuel market moves quickly. Demand shifts between manufacturers, vehicle ages and powertrains, making a data-led approach more valuable than ever.
At Dealer Auction, we’re proud to be the UKs smartest wholesale marketplace. We don’t just provide access to thousands of vehicles, we also give buyers the insight needed to make faster, more informed decisions.
From Retail Rating and consumer demand data to historical pricing insights, we help dealers source used EVs with confidence, rather than relying on guesswork.
5 ways Dealer Auction can help you source quality used EVs
- A world of choice: We aggregate vehicles from various sources, including trade, dealer, fleet, OEM, auction and direct from the consumer. This comprehensive range ensures buyers have access to a wider selection, helping you replenish your forecourt on demand.
- The need for speed: Snapping up the car stock you need can be a game of speed. Advanced filters, saved searches and stock policy matching help buyers identify suitable vehicles as soon as they’re listed, helping you secure the stock you need before someone else does.
- The power of profit: Don’t compromise when sourcing stock. Every listing includes Autotrader market data, consumer demand insights and historical sales information, helping you identify the right used EVs for your forecourt. Combined with some of the industry’s lowest buyer fees, you can maximise your profit potential.
- Cast a wider net: Digital auctions allow buyers to participate in multiple auctions simultaneously, facilitating a broader selection, swift sales and improved performance for group buyers compared to traditional routes.
- Buy with confidence: Dealer Auction combines technology with trusted market data to help buyers make smarter purchasing decisions. Autotrader’s Retail Rating is available on every listing, making it easier to identify vehicles with strong retail potential and price them confidently for your local market.
Knowledge is (electric) power
But it’s not just about aligning your inventory and pricing with demand, it’s also about getting to grips with consumers’ wants and needs. What are their main reasons for going electric? Is there an emission zone near your dealership? What service plan would suit them? Arming yourself with this knowledge will help you feel more confident about selling used EVs – and buying the right stock.
Reticence is a risky business – although many dealers have been keen to see how electric will play out, the shift to electric is happening now. What once was seen as sticking your head above the parapet is now a confident stride into the future of automotive. Don’t get left behind!
Plug in and profit!
The wholesale market continues to see greater volumes of alternative fuel vehicles entering circulation, particularly as fleet and lease vehicles complete their first ownership cycle. That means more choice for buyers, but also greater competition.
Retailers who use data to stay ahead of changing trends will be best placed to take advantage of the opportunities used EVs present.
Partner with Dealer Auction to access quality stock, market-leading insight and the tools to source smarter. With the right data behind every buying decision, you’ll be ready for whatever the next chapter of the used EV market brings.
