Used electric vehicles are outselling combustion models in several European markets as buyers prioritize lower running costs over purchase price. Dealers report a 30% increase in used EV inquiries compared with last year, with average transaction prices down 15% since January. The shift is most visible in Germany and the Netherlands where fuel prices have risen above €2 per litre for the first time since 2023.
Cheaper maintenance is the primary draw for most buyers. Electric cars have fewer moving parts and no oil changes, cutting annual service bills by up to €400. A 2022 survey by the German Automobile Association found that 68% of used EV buyers cited maintenance savings as their main reason for switching.
Government incentives remain a factor but are no longer the main driver. Germany’s scrappage scheme for used EVs ended in December, yet demand has continued to climb. In the Netherlands, tax breaks for company cars registered after 2024 now apply to used models, adding to their appeal.
Supply is also catching up with demand. Leasing companies are offloading three-year-old EVs in larger numbers as new contracts expire, pushing inventories higher. Dutch data shows 12% more used EVs listed in March than in February, with average mileage under 30,000 km.
The trend is forcing dealers to adapt. Some now offer battery warranties extended to five years for used buyers, a move previously rare outside certified pre-owned programs. Industry analysts expect the used EV share of the overall market to reach 20% by 2027, up from 12% today.
Source: techcrunch.com