At a glance:
- The average margin of alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) soared to £3,401
- 1 in 10 models sold on Dealer Auction (across all fuels) were hybrid – the highest percentage this year
- Autumn Budget future EV mileage tax reflects ongoing normalisation of AFVs
- Hybrid Volvo XC90 topped profit charts for sixth consecutive month
- Tesla Model 3 and Nissan LEAF EVs rejoined the charts, with Tesla the fastest selling AFV of 2025 so far
Used alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) traded on Dealer Auction in November showed a 15% increase in profit margin, according to the latest figures from the EV Performance Report (EVPR).
The leading digital marketplace revealed that the average margin rose from £2,953 in October to £3,401 in November, while the number of bids received also held steady at just over 5,000. In a traditionally challenging season across the industry, it’s encouraging to see AFV stock bringing solid returns, indicating that customers are prepared to pay more for the right model.
When it came to the fuel splits across the trade-to-trade platform, the percentage of hybrids sold doubled in November, with petrol losing out. Despite remaining a small percentage of the overall sales on the Dealer Auction platform (11.8% for hybrid and 1.2% for electric), the data illustrates that more and more dealers are keen to tap into the profit potential of these models. 11.8% was notably the highest percentage of hybrids seen since December 2024.
After a big drop in the age and mileage of AFV stock between September and October, the profiles held steady in November, with average age remaining at 3.8 and mileage slipping slightly further to 37,746.
The positive metrics come after the hotly anticipated Autumn Budget on 26 November. The major change for drivers was the pay-per-mile tax, whereby electric cars will have to pay 3p per mile, while PHEVs will be charged 1.5p per mile from April 2028. To try and mitigate any sales drops attributed to the new tax, the government is bolstering the Electric Car Grant with a further £1.3 billion to encourage new car sales – and ultimately, boost the used car industry.
Dealer Auction’s Marketplace Director, Kieran TeeBoon, noted: “Despite the seasonal slowdown and the uncertainty created by the Budget, November has shown just how robust the used AFV market can be. Yes, the future mileage-based EV tax has caused some ripples, but it reflects the ongoing normalisation of EV and hybrid markets, plus it’s roughly half the cost of tax for comparable ICE vehicles.
“With new investment flowing into the sector and stock quality holding firm, confidence in AFVs is still growing. Our latest figures show that dealers aren’t just testing the water anymore – they’re leaning into the profit opportunity.”
November saw several standout models delivered strong returns. The Volvo XC90 hybrid posted its sixth consecutive month at number one for profits, achieving an average margin of £6,019. The Hyundai Tucson hybrid (£3,861) and Nissan Qashqai hybrid (£3,785) followed closely, with Qashqai bids flying – helping it secure the top selling position overall.
While October was dominated by hybrids, the electric Tesla Model 3 was a strong performer in November. It re-entered the profit and the CAP Clean performance top 10s and was the fastest selling AFV of the year so far, shifting in 25 days on average at retail.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid topped the charts for CAP Clean performance, while the electric Nissan LEAF re-entered the tables for volume sold and CAP performance. Overall, hybrids still ruled the roost – we even saw an EVPR newcomer, as the hybrid Renault Arkana ranked highly for CAP performance and volume.
TeeBoon concluded: “November’s results tell the story of a strongly positive market, with hybrids continuing to set the pace and EVs gaining welcome traction. With margins holding firm and demand remaining robust, budget expectations are tracking favourably as we move towards the new year.”
About Dealer Auction
Dealer Auction is the UK’s leading digital remarketing platform. We give buyers and sellers more choice, better insight and greater margins. Dealer Auction is an independent company, created through a joint venture between Cox Automotive and Autotrader. For more information, visit www.dealerauction.co.uk.
Launched in May 2024, Dealer Auction’s EV Performance Review (EVPR) is a monthly feature that tracks the performance and trends of EV and Hybrid vehicles on the UK’s leading digital remarketing platform.
