The Electric Car Second-Hand Boom: Why Resale Times Are Lengthening and What It Means for Buyers & Sellers
A staggering 30% year-over-year jump in used electric vehicle (EV) transactions in Q4 2025 signals a pivotal shift in the automotive market. With 54,083 EVs changing hands, representing 3.4% of the total passenger car fleet, the second-hand EV market is no longer a niche – it’s rapidly maturing. But this growth isn’t without its nuances, particularly when it comes to how quickly these vehicles turn over.
The Rise of the Used EV: A Market Driven by Individuals and Leasing
In 2025, a total of 177,886 used EVs were sold, a remarkable figure representing over half (54%) of all new EV registrations during the same period. While still a relatively small slice (3%) of the overall used car market, the momentum is undeniable. Interestingly, individual buyers are the primary drivers of this growth, with leasing playing a crucial role – accounting for around 35% of registrations, a 28% increase from the previous quarter. This contrasts sharply with the thermal (gasoline/diesel) car market, where private rentals remain minimal.
Why Are EVs Taking Longer to Resell?
Despite the increasing demand, the average resale time for used EVs (VEOs) is 161 days – noticeably longer than the 139 days for traditional used cars (VTOs). This isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but a reflection of the market’s evolving dynamics. A significant portion of these VEOs are entering the second-hand market via professional networks (84% of transactions), indicating a structured, but potentially slower, sales process. The influx of vehicles aged 3-5 years – representing 57% of professional sales – is establishing a core rotation cycle, but older models (5-8 years) are proving harder to move.
The Impact of Battery Size and Range
Technical specifications are becoming increasingly important in the used EV market, and directly impact resale speed. Vehicles with smaller batteries (under 55 kWh) still dominate the supply, but those with larger batteries (70-90 kWh) are selling significantly faster – averaging just 127 days. This highlights a growing consumer preference for longer ranges. Indeed, EVs offering 550km+ of WLTP range are also experiencing quicker sales. Fast DC charging capabilities are another key differentiator, with models boasting 150-200kW charging speeds seeing a clear advantage.
Regional Disparities and Emerging Trends
Resale times vary considerably by region. Areas like Centre-Val de Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Pays de la Loire currently experience the longest delays, while Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France are seeing the fastest turnover. However, Normandy is showing promising improvement, reducing its average resale time by a substantial margin. These regional differences underscore the importance of localized market analysis.
The Individual Owner’s Perspective: Holding On Longer
Interestingly, individuals who purchase used EVs are holding onto them for longer periods – an average of 582 days, compared to 576 days in the previous quarter. Used EVs also change hands less frequently (2.3 owners on average) than their thermal counterparts (3.1 owners). This suggests a higher level of satisfaction and a more sustainable ownership model for electric vehicles. This trend could be linked to the lower mileage typically found on used EVs (13,742 km vs. 21,074 km for thermal cars), indicating primarily urban or secondary use.
Pricing Dynamics: A Closer Look at Value Retention
Used EVs less than three years old are currently priced around 16% lower than their new counterparts (excluding incentives). However, certain models buck this trend. The Citroën ë-C3 and Renault R5, for example, are being resold at prices *above* new, driven by low mileage and limited availability. Conversely, popular models like the Tesla Model Y and Peugeot e-208 II are experiencing more significant price differences. This demonstrates that value retention is heavily influenced by model demand and market supply. The International Energy Agency’s Global EV Outlook provides further insights into these market dynamics.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Used EV Market
The used EV market is poised for continued growth, but navigating it successfully will require a keen understanding of evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. Battery health, charging infrastructure, and range anxiety will remain key considerations for buyers. Sellers, particularly dealerships, will need to prioritize transparency and offer comprehensive vehicle history reports to build trust and accelerate sales. As battery technology improves and charging networks expand, we can expect to see resale times shorten and the used EV market become an even more integral part of the automotive landscape. What factors do you think will most significantly impact the used EV market in the next five years? Share your predictions in the comments below!
