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Demand for used electric cars via The Electric Car Scheme grows by 300%
Lower pricing and expanded stock driving the surge
54% of UK adults say affordability remains the key obstacle to EV ownership
Recent insights from EV salary sacrifice provider The Electric Car Scheme reveal a sharp increase in interest for second-hand electric vehicles, as affordability improves and access to stock increases. Orders for pre-owned EVs have soared by 300% year-on-year through salary sacrifice, as consumers look for ways to avoid lengthy lead times and high upfront costs.
Used EVs now make up around half of all orders placed through the scheme. Supply has expanded rapidly, with over 500 models now available—more than triple the number listed just one month ago.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also reports that battery electric vehicles are the fastest-growing segment in the used car market, with a 58.5% year-on-year increase. Through salary sacrifice, customers can enjoy up to 50% savings on top of already reduced prices, helping more people make the move to electric.
Notably, those in lower tax bands are reaping the greatest rewards. Around 70% of used EV orders are from individuals earning £50,270 or less, showing that pre-owned models are enabling more people to afford electric vehicles. In line with this trend, The Electric Car Scheme’s data shows that 54% of Britons still identify cost as the biggest barrier to going electric.
Salary Sacrifice Makes Used EVs Even More Accessible
The Electric Car Scheme compared the monthly savings available through salary sacrifice for some of the most popular EV models. For someone earning £40,000 per year, these savings can approach 50%.
A brand new Skoda Enyaq typically costs £567 a month to lease. A used version via salary sacrifice drops to £292—a 49% saving. The Volkswagen ID.4 falls from £506 to £296 (42% saving), while the Mercedes EQA sees monthly payments reduced from £528 to £339 (a 36% discount).
Thom Groot, CEO and Co-Founder of The Electric Car Scheme, commented:
“We know that affordability is the biggest barrier to people getting an EV, so it is not surprising that as the price falls and availability increases, more and more people are opting for a used model. It also speaks to the increasing quality of EVs and tech that these models possess, with more people than ever feeling confident in making the switch.
“A strong second hand market is key to the growth of EV uptake and reaching ZEV goals by 2030, so this is a positive step. Salary sacrifice is going to be key to this, and the growing demand is an indication that it is increasingly recognised as the best way to get an EV, used or otherwise.”