At a glance:
- Dealer Auction’s EV Performance Review (EVPR) for August showed Nissan Qashqai topping the volume sold chart for the fourth month running.
- Tesla Model Y sets a new record for EVPR fastest seller at 21 days.
- The average sold price rose to £13,809.
- Average age and mileage drop after all-time highs reached last month.
Dealer Auction’s EV Performance Review (EVPR) for August showed that buyers sought the familiar when it came to alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) in the used market. While the age and mileage figures dropped from last month’s all-time highs, August’s data shows that most metrics are holding steady, with recurring favourites populating the model charts.
The average age peaked at 6.9 years in July but dropped to 5 years in August – the youngest average since April. Also dropping down from last month’s high was the average mileage – down from 68,050 to 49,240 – although still on the higher end of the data seen this year.
Looking at the patterns of the previous two years recorded by the EVPR, this year has proved a bit of an outlier. Age and mileage metrics for the third quarter of 2024 and 2025 were fairly steady, followed by notable drops in October when part-exchanges from new car purchases after the registration plate change started filtering into the used car market.
This year has seen much more rise and fall throughout, but looking at the average profit margin, it seems most dealers have adapted well to shifting market changes and are making the most of every opportunity. Indeed, the retail margin rose slightly to £3,250 in August. This was mirrored by increased bids and the average sold price, which climbed to £14,037.
Dealer Auction’s Marketplace Director, Kieran TeeBoon, commented: “For retail customers, each year we see that August is either all anticipation or it’s about taking action. Some customers choose to wait until after the plate change takes place to see what part-exchange vehicles become available. But others want to snap up the opportunities available now. August 2026 has been no different – and the data shows that there’s definitely a strong market for older EVs.
“Dealers able to offer varied stock can capitalise on these immediate opportunities – and looking at the rise in bids, may even have tempted some of the wait-and-sees into must-buy-now customers.”
It was an all-hybrid model top 10 for top-performing models in August – with lots of familiar favourites. After topping the chart in June and then falling out the chart in July, the BMW X5 bounced back to the number one spot with a retail margin of £6,630.
Volvo remained a firm favourite, taking the next three spots with the XC90, XC60 and XC40, respectively. The XC60 continues to boast the EVPR margin record – £8,520 in March 2026. Other models returning to the chart included the Ford Puma, last seen in September 2024, and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
The Lexus UX topped the CAP Clean chart in August, making for encouraging reading for sellers. Two EVs were also in the top 10: the Tesla Model Y and the Renault Zoe. The Model Y also broke the record for fastest seller – set only last month – with a speedy 21 days.
In the volume sold chart, Nissan Qashqai continued its dominance, placing first for the fourth consecutive month – the longest run when it comes to volume sold. Another regular, the Nissan LEAF, was the only EV in the chart.
TeeBoon concluded: “While there’s no doubt that the plate changeover month will bring fresh stock, there are still plenty of opportunities in the market right now. EV sales continue to strengthen, and with the government opening up the ZEV mandate for consultation, the focus on alternative fuel vehicles will be stronger than ever.”
ENDS
Make sure to check out last month’s EV performance review for more insights.
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.
