Demand for second-hand electric vehicles in the UK is on the rise, with used EV sales on cinch—the country’s largest online used car retailer — jumping by 39% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Leading the charge was the Tesla Model 3, which was named the platform’s best-selling electric car during the quarter.
According to cinch, falling EV prices and a broader range of available models have contributed to the spike in interest. Average used EV prices dropped 4% year-on-year, making electric cars more accessible to first-time buyers and budget-conscious motorists.
“We predicted 2025 was going to be the year many drivers made the switch to electric, and our latest data bears that out,” said Sam Sheehan, Motoring Editor at cinch. “While petrol and diesel cars continue to dominate total used sales, EVs and hybrids are the fastest growing segments.”
Tesla Dominance and New Entrants
The Tesla Model 3 surged to the top of cinch’s electric sales rankings, leaping four places from the previous year. Meanwhile, its sibling, the Model Y, was named the fastest-selling EV, ahead of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai IONIQ.
Chinese brands are also making their presence felt in the UK’s used EV market. BYD saw a 300% increase in sales between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, while other brands like OMODA and ORA also registered growing interest among British consumers.
“With the introduction of several new and exciting Chinese EV brands such as BYD and OMODA, it’s an exciting time for the industry,” added Sheehan. “Our sales data shows the wide variety of EVs now on the market. From long-held favourites such as the Nissan LEAF to newer models like the KONA Electric, there are some great options for those looking to go electric in 2025.”
EVs Enter the Mainstream
The top 10 best-selling EVs on cinch for Q1 2025 included the Nissan LEAF, MINI Hatchback, Hyundai KONA Electric, and Vauxhall Corsa-e. Models like the VW ID.3 and Jaguar I-PACE also made their debut in the rankings, signalling wider adoption of electric mobility across different price brackets.
Top-Selling EVs (Q1 2025):
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Tesla Model 3
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Nissan LEAF
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MINI Hatchback
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Hyundai KONA Electric
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Vauxhall Corsa-e
Fastest-Selling EVs (Q1 2025):
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Tesla Model Y
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Ford Mustang Mach-E
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Hyundai IONIQ
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Citroën Ë-C4
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Vauxhall Mokka-e
Corsa Still the Car to Beat
In the overall used car rankings—including petrol, diesel, hybrids and EVs—the Vauxhall Corsa held on to its title as the UK’s best-selling model on cinch for a second consecutive quarter. The Nissan Qashqai and MINI Hatchback rounded out the top three.
While the Ford Focus remained a top seller, it slipped from second place in Q1 2024 to sixth in 2025, following Ford’s announcement that it will discontinue the model later this year. Buyers appear to be migrating towards alternatives like the Puma and Kuga or exploring similar small SUVs from other brands.
In the first quarter of 2024, the OG of popular SUVs – Nissan’s Qashqai – pipped the Corsa to top spot. But the hatchback has roared back since, and its popularity shows no sign of waning.
Sheehan explained, “With an affordable price point in the used market and a pleasing variety of colours, trims and fuelling options, it’s no wonder the Corsa remains our top-selling car for a second consecutive quarter.
“Elsewhere, we’ve seen a continued decline in popularity of what once was Britain’s most-sold car: the Ford Focus. It dropped from second position in Q1 2024 to sixth place on our 2025 list.
“Ford recently announced it’ll stop making the Focus from November this year. Buyers seem to be backing other runners in the Ford stable – such as the Kuga or Puma – or similar budget-friendly small SUVs from other manufacturers.”
Changing Tastes and Tech Demand
SUVs continue to dominate buyer preferences, with searches for the segment rising 24% year-on-year. Estate cars saw a 1% dip, while hatchbacks grew by 5%. Meanwhile, a cold snap in January triggered a surge in searches for cars with heated seats, up 77% compared to the daily average in December.
cinch’s data also shines a light on the buying habits of Britain’s motorists, who continue to turn to the SUV as their favoured type of car.
Thanks to their elevated driving position, practicality and abundance of options on the market, searches for SUVs on cinch grew by 24% between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025.
Conversely, searches for estate cars were down 1%, while hatchbacks saw a relatively modest 5% increase year-on-year.
Sheehan said: “You just have to look at Britain’s streets to see how much SUVs dominate the car market. From budget-friendly compact crossovers to larger luxury options, there’s an SUV out there for everyone.”
Top-Selling Brands on cinch (Q1 2025):
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Ford
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Volkswagen
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Vauxhall
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BMW
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Audi
The report offers more evidence that the used car market is evolving rapidly, with electric and tech-enabled vehicles gaining ground. With Chinese brands entering the mix and battery-electric models becoming increasingly affordable, the market looks set for another year of transformation.
“While petrol and diesel cars continue to deliver the most used car sales overall, EVs and hybrids are the fastest growing markets,” said Sheehan.
