The average price of a used electric vehicle (EV) dropped by 7% in three months, data from a motoring service reveals.
One of the nation’s most popular EVs, the Nissan Leaf, plummeted by an average cost of 24.5%, going from £20,505 in 2022 to £15,477 this year.
Sales for used EVs also shot up, with 81.8% more being sold compared to the same time in 2022.
Conversely, the price of the most popular cars increased in that time, reaching an average of £16,736 for the period of July, August and September – a rise from £16,182 last year.
More drivers are continuing to look for greener vehicles, according to AA Cars’ data, but the most searched for used car was still the Ford Fiesta, which is on the market for an average of £11,148.
‘Overall trend of greener vehicles continues’
Mark Oakley, director of AA Cars, welcomed the rise in EV sales, but called for people to take their time in looking for bargains.
He said: “After two years of big price rises, the cost of the UK’s most popular cars appears to be coming down. There was a slight dip in EV and hybrid prices during the second quarter, but the overall trend towards greener vehicles continues.
“Overall sales of used EVs are up 56% compared to a year ago, and they will remain increasingly attractive as a way for drivers to future-proof themselves as more cities roll-out or expand clean air zones.
“To make sure you really are getting good value for money when buying a secondhand car, make sure you do your research first and shop around, as you may find the same car at different price points in neighbouring towns and cities. Always consider getting a vehicle inspection too, to make sure you are not buying a car which could cost you a lot of money to repair down the road.”
Most searched for cars in Q3 2023, with quarterly and annual price changes
| Ranking | Make and model | Average price this quarter (Q3 2023) | Average price last quarter (Q2 2023) | Average price a year ago (Q3 2022) | Annual price change (Q3 2022 to Q3 2023) | Quarterly price change (Q2 2023 to Q3 2023) |
| 1 | Ford Fiesta | £11,148 | £11,192 | £10,851 | 2.7% | -0.4% |
| 2 | Ford Focus | £12,745 | £12,726 | £12,695 | 0.4% | 0.1% |
| 3 | Nissan Qashqai | £15,493 | £16,206 | £14,606 | 6.1% | -4.4% |
| 4 | Vauxhall Corsa | £9,926 | £9,923 | £9,223 | 7.6% | 0.0% |
| 5 | Volkswagen Golf | £18,970 | £20,286 | £19,171 | -1.0% | -6.5% |
Average price for most popular EVs and hybrids in Q2 and Q3 2023
| Ranking | Make and model | Average price this quarter (Q3 2023) | Average price last quarter (Q2 2023) | Quarterly price change (Q2 2023 to Q3 2023) |
| 1 | Toyota Yaris | £17,775 | £17,699 | 0.4% |
| 2 | Toyota Prius | £15,982 | £16,331 | -2.1% |
| 3 | Nissan Leaf | £15,477 | £20,505 | -24.5% |
| 4 | Honda Jazz | £18,647 | £19,296 | -3.4% |
| 5 | Kia Niro | £23,150 | £24,150 | -4.1% |
