At a glance:
- Hybrids dominate top 10 charts for margin, sales volume and CAP Clean in February
- 65% rise in average sold price for alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), month-on-month
- Average AFV age holds steady at 4 years
- Hybrid Volvo XC90 returns to the top spot for dealer profit
- Established models reclaim high spots in the rankings
The latest data from Dealer Auction’s EV Performance Report (EVPR) for February revealed that the average age of AFVs held steady at 4 years old – food for thought when we consider the lower availability of cars aged 5 and 6, due to the pandemic disruption. It’s clear that AFVs will have an important role to play – not just in supporting the move away from petrol, but in supply and demand for quality used vehicles.
Although age remained consistent, average mileage saw a significant decrease – almost 50% – dropping from 66,300 miles in January to 33,495 miles. Retail margins rose slightly (£2,829), showing that these young, lower mileage AFVs are driving a strong price. Indeed, the AFV average sold price across the platform (£16,717) rose by 65% month-on-month, the highest amount since May 2025, showing the demand for quality AFVs.
Dealer Auction Marketplace Director Kieran TeeBoon commented: “It’s brilliant to see these young AFVs commanding such impressive margins. The pandemic-era supply gap leaves space for AFVs to grow – 2026 could be a pivotal year for hybrid and EV models aged 4-to-6 years old.”
Additional research is also helping to boost sentiment around older AFVs by challenging assumptions around used EV battery health. The Generational 2025 Battery Performance Index tested thousands of vehicles, discovering that average battery health stands at an impressive 95.15% of ‘new’ range.1 The findings also show that age and mileage have less impact than many consumers expect. Even 8- and 9-year-old vehicles retained an 85% state of health – well above the 70% guaranteed by many EV battery warranties. High-mileage vehicles are also performing strongly, with 100,000-mile-plus EVs frequently returning 88%–95% battery health.2
Battery health – and the impact it has on the driving range – remains one of the most common concerns for motorists considering the switch to electric vehicles. Research like this could play an important role in reducing consumer uncertainty and improving confidence in the used EV market.
At the same time, the UK is set to see significant new investment in EV infrastructure and skills. In particular, the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Investment Board have announced funding aimed at strengthening the region’s automotive sector. Businesses will be eligible for grants between £250,000 and £3 million from April to support equipment upgrades, charging infrastructure, specialist skills and production capacity,3 alongside a further investment of £14.5 million to deliver 9,500 additional charging points across the region.4
TeeBoon commented: “With growing, positive research into the used EV market and continued large-scale investment in charging infrastructure, production, equipment and specialist skills in key areas of automotive influence, it will be interesting to see how consumer confidence evolves in response.”
As EVs build for the future, hybrids are currently at the helm. They emerged as the clear favourites in the best-performing models for February 2026, with several familiar names delivering strong results across the charts. Leading the way was the Volvo XC90 hybrid, regaining the top position in the margin rankings for the first time since December 2025, reinforcing its reputation as a favourite in the used AFV market.
The Hyundai Tucson hybrid regained the top spot for sales volume, while also securing a place in the top 10 for both CAP Clean performance and retail margin – highlighting its continued appeal among both buyers and dealers.
Elsewhere, the hybrid Hyundai Kona and Nissan Qashqai both delivered strong all-round performances, appearing across all three key charts. Their consistent presence reflects the ongoing strength of well-established models that continue to resonate with both dealers and consumers.
February’s rankings also highlighted the return of many regular chart performers including the Lexus RX, Volvo XC60, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV4 (all hybrid) and many more, suggesting a growing sense of market stability as the first quarter of 2026 progresses. With familiar models repeatedly appearing across multiple metrics, the data points to a continued trend of reliable, mainstream vehicles driving both sales and profitability for dealers.
TeeBoon concluded: “This month’s data highlights just how strongly hybrids are resonating in the used market right now. Familiar and reliable models such as the Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Kona and Nissan Qashqai continue to perform well, which points to increasing stability as the year progresses. At the same time, with significant development and investment continuing in the EV space, it’ll be interesting to see how the used market evolves over the coming months.”
Make sure to check out last month’s EV performance review for more insights.
Sources
1,2Motoring Research (2026). Used EV battery health ‘far better than many assume’. Available at: Used EV battery health ‘far better than many assume’ (Accessed 5 March 2026).
3BBC News (2026). Up to £3m for electric vehicle industry in region. Available at: Up to £3m for electric vehicle industry in West Midlands – BBC News (Accessed: 5 March 2026).
4BBC News (2026). Approval for £14.5m electric car charging scheme. Available at: Approval for £14.5m West Midlands electric car charging scheme – BBC News (Accessed: 5 March 2026).
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.
