• The Electric Car Scheme reports a threefold rise in demand for second-hand EVs
  
• Drop in prices and surge in availability drive growing interest
  
• Over half of Brits still cite affordability as the main barrier to EV ownership
  

New figures released by EV salary sacrifice provider The Electric Car Scheme show that demand for second-hand electric vehicles has surged, with a 300% year-on-year increase in orders. This rise is fuelled by falling prices and improved access to pre-owned EVs, allowing more drivers to make the switch to electric without the long wait times typically associated with new models.

Second-hand EVs now account for around 50% of all vehicles ordered via salary sacrifice through the scheme. Availability has also seen a dramatic boost, with over 500 used EVs now offered—representing a 200% jump in the past month alone.

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirms that battery electric vehicles are the fastest-growing used vehicle segment, with annual growth of 58.5%. The Electric Car Scheme further enhances these savings through salary sacrifice, allowing users to cut costs by up to 50% on already reduced used car prices.

Those on lower incomes are benefitting the most. Around 70% of used EV orders come from individuals in the basic rate tax band (earning up to £50,270 per year), highlighting how second-hand electric vehicles are making EV ownership more inclusive. The Electric Car Scheme’s own research shows that 54% of Brits still see affordability as the top obstacle to going electric.

Used EVs and Salary Sacrifice: A Winning Combo

To illustrate the financial benefits of the scheme, The Electric Car Scheme compared monthly costs for popular EV models. For someone earning £40,000 annually, salary sacrifice can lead to savings close to 50%.

For example, a new Skoda Enyaq lease might cost around £567 per month, whereas a used version via salary sacrifice would drop to £292—saving 49%. Similarly, the Volkswagen ID.4 drops from £506 to £296 per month, a 42% saving. The Mercedes EQA comes down from £528 to £339, offering a 36% discount.

Thom Groot, CEO and Co-Founder of The Electric Car Scheme, said:

“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.”