The EV transition is well underway, and as volumes rise, the wholesale market is evolving fast. But confidence still varies widely. For trade buyers, deciding whether to bid on an EV goes beyond spec and mileage. It’s about having the information and reassurance they need to act confidently.
We recently ran a survey of engaged Dealer Auction users to understand what’s really influencing EV buying decisions today. With a 13% response rate from a highly relevant audience, the results offer credible insight from those actively browsing, bidding, and buying electric stock. The goal? To understand what builds confidence and what might be holding buyers back.
Curiosity is high, but confidence has limits
Most responses came from active trade buyers who had viewed EV stock but hadn’t yet placed a bid, suggesting strong interest but some hesitation. And the reason? For many, it’s uncertainty around battery condition. 35% of respondents said they had avoided bidding on an EV in the past due to a lack of information about the battery. In contrast, only 19% of buyers said they’d avoided bidding for that reason, suggesting their previous experience gives them more confidence to assess EV condition independently.
While seasoned EV buyers may feel more confident making assessments themselves, those newer to electric are looking for reassurance. Not just to make the right bid, but to know they can confidently retail the vehicle later. Without that, intent stalls at interest.
Battery health certificates: perception vs reality
Across the board, trade buyers agreed that battery health certificates can:
- Improve confidence
- Help justify a stronger retail price
- Make higher-mileage EVs more appealing
But the influence of battery data shifts depending on buyer experience. While 64% of viewers said they’d choose a vehicle with a certificate over one without, only 44% of recent EV buyers felt it would strongly influence their decision.
The conclusion? The more familiar the buyer, the more confident they feel without additional reassurance. But for the wider market, especially newer entrants, battery data clearly plays a role in moving them from consideration to action.
Why this matters for EV sellers
Speed of sale has always been crucial in wholesale, whether you’re a fleet, rental, or manufacturer seller. With EVs, the challenge is balancing stock movement with margin protection. This is where buyer confidence becomes commercially critical.
For EV sellers, the data shows that tools like battery health certificates can help reduce time to sale, free up space, and release capital faster. Buyers, particularly those newer to EVs or bidding digitally, need the confidence to act quickly, especially in a competitive market.
Dealer Auction is committed to supporting all EV sellers by sharing the insights that help shape smarter remarketing strategies. We’re working to help ensure EV listings deliver the clarity buyers need, whether through better presentation, clearer specs, or seller-led data like battery performance.
Trade buyers are clear: confidence drives action
This survey confirms what we’ve already seen through our EV Performance Review (EVPR): EV confidence is growing. With younger, lower-mileage EVs coming into stock and average margins on the rise, the trade is starting to recognise the retail opportunity. But the need for better information and more reassurance is still holding some buyers back.
By understanding what buyers want to see on EV listings, we can help the industry move forward. That means working with sellers to give them the insight and tools they need to build remarketing strategies around their stock type and buyer audience.
Because sellers don’t just need another platform. They need a collaborative partner who understands EV wholesale, who listens to the trade, and who helps turn interest into intent.
Looking to remarket EVs more effectively?
We’re here to help. Get in touch with Rachel to learn how Dealer Auction supports smarter digital remarketing for EV sellers.
Rachel Cockshaw
E: Rachel.Cockshaw@dealerauction.co.uk
T: 07789 883478
