At a glance:
- Dealer Auction’s EV Performance Review (EVPR) for July revealed a shift towards older, higher-mileage alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs)
- The platform also saw three hybrid Volvo models secure leading positions in the top 10 chart for margin, with the Volvo XC90 in the forefront
- Average margin held strong at £3,135
- The hybrid Nissan Qashqai broke the record for the fastest seller: 24 days
- Vauxhall Corsa Electric marked a fresh entry to the profit top 10
Dealer Auction’s EV Performance Review (EVPR) for July reveals the popularity of older, higher-mileage alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). The stock average sat at 6.9 years old and 68,050 miles – the highest numbers on record since the EVPR launched. This stands in contrast to recent industry findings, which pointed to a huge demand for 3- to 4-year-old cars – particularly EVs.1 With younger models under more pressure, older models could be a compelling option for dealers looking to source strong-value AFV stock.
It’s a trend to watch, as the age and mileage metrics have fluctuated throughout 2026 – with mileage lows of circa 33,000 in January and June, and highs in May. In turn, the average age has fluctuated between 4 and 6.9 years.
Elsewhere across the Dealer Auction platform, some AFV metrics softened after a record-breaking June, but bidding remained solid and the average margin held strong at £3,135. The average sold price slipped very slightly but remained impressive at £13,145.
Dealer Auction’s Marketplace Director, Kieran TeeBoon, commented: “We’re seeing some of the AFV metrics settling following the recent quarter-end flurry. It’s clear that petrol and diesel models are still doing a lot of the heavy lifting for the used market, but it will be interesting to see the impact from the booming new car market on AFVs – with June seeing the best performance for the month since 2019 and the BEV uptake reaching a 30% market share.2
“Looking at a more granular level, we’re tracking some really interesting trends. July’s figures highlight the importance of looking beyond the traditional sweet spot of younger used vehicles. Older hybrid and electric models are proving they still have strong appeal, offering dealers an opportunity to source stock that can deliver value for customers while maintaining healthy margins.”
Turning to the top-performing models on the UK’s smartest digital marketplace: after a standout month for BMW in June, it was Volvo’s time to steal the spotlight in July, with three hybrid XC models securing leading positions in the top 10 chart for margin.
The Volvo XC90 moved up from second place for margin to secure the top spot for the first time on record, joined by the XC40 and XC60 in third and fourth place respectively. The XC90 and XC60 also boasted excellent CAP Clean performance, reflecting the models’ potential benefits for buyers and sellers alike. July is the epitome of a strong year so far for Volvo. The XC40 and XC60 took the top two spots in May, while the Volvo XC60 holds the EVPR margin record – £8,520 in March.
Elsewhere in the margin top 10, there was a fresh entry – the Vauxhall Corsa Electric – which was the only EV in the top 10. The hybrid Lexus NX continued to perform well for margin and also came top of the CAP Clean chart.
In a similar pattern to June, the hybrid Nissan Qashqai continued to dominate the volume sold chart, with its fully electrified sibling, the LEAF, holding firm as the only EV making the top 10 in volume sold. The Qashqai also broke the record for the fastest seller, selling in 24 days on average – beating the previous record of 27.
TeeBoon concluded: “Volvo’s performance this month demonstrates the continued strength of premium hybrids, with the XC range delivering impressive margins and CAP Clean results. It’s another reminder that electrified vehicles are not a one-size-fits-all market – different models are performing in different ways, and understanding those nuances is crucial. As we move through 2026, the winners will be those who use market insight to identify the right vehicles at the right time.”
ENDS
Make sure to check out last month’s EV performance review for more insights.
Sources:
1FleetNews (3 August 2026). Three- to four-year-old used cars in demand, Indicata says. Available at: https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/three-to-four-year-old-used-cars-in-demand-indicata-says (Accessed 5 August 2026).
2Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) (6 July 2026). EV market hits new high but target gap remains. Available at: https://www.smmt.co.uk/ev-market-hits-new-high-but-target-gap-remains/ (Accessed 5 August 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.
