Rising demand and supply fuels surge in electric retailers
London, 11th June 2025: Auto Trader, the UK’s largest automotive platform, has announced a significant increase in the proportion of independent retailers stocking electric vehicles (EVs). Data comes as supply of traditional fuel types slows, requiring retailers to diversify to meet stock requirements and evolving consumer demands.
Automotive retailers are having to navigate a dramatic shift in stock dynamics due to a combination of COVID shortfalls and the growing electrification of the retail market. Over the past 12 months, petrol supply has remained flat (+0.1%), while diesel availability has dropped by -12.8%. In contrast, the supply of used electric vehicles has surged by nearly half (+44%) year-on-year (YoY), albeit starting from a lower base.
Independent retailers are responding to these changes by evolving their sourcing strategies, specifically as the 3+ age cohort electrifies. Starting from a lower base, larger increases are expected from independent retailers, explaining the 161% YoY increase in electric stock advertised by them. Since 2023, a third (33%) of independent retailers have stocked at least three EVs for at least 15 days, resulting in a 24% leap in the time period.
With the majority of franchise retailers having sold new EVs for years now and benefitting from product training, growth is smaller. Data shows on average a 39% increase in the number of EVs advertised by franchise retailers.
Demand for used EVs on Auto Trader rose +30% YoY in May. Conversely, demand for petrol and diesel fell -0.7% and -9.8% respectively over the same period, highlighting the growing opportunity of stocking electric vehicles in meeting consumer demand and maintaining business profitability.
The recent surge in consumer appetite for used electric cars is the result of an increase in choice, availability and affordability. Indeed, Electric cars: The Facts, a cross-industry initiative from Auto Trader, SMMT, and ChargeUK and - endorsed by the Department for Transport - recently updated to show that two in five used EVs are now below £20,000.
“For Solo Cars, adapting to the market by stocking electric cars has kept us up-to date with consumer demand, and we foresee this electric demand increasing as time goes on. Before February 2025 we had only sold 12 Teslas in total, in February we sold 12 in 28 days, highlighting how you can capitalise on market trends. Acting now still makes us an early adopter and helps us to most of that early data to profit down the line.”
James McConville, Company Director at Solo Cars
To adapt to this fast-changing retail landscape, retailers need to adopt broader sourcing strategies. Our advanced tools provide real-time insights to empower retailers to buy with confidence and optimise their stock mix, ensuring they maximise profit potential on every vehicle.
“With strong demand for electric, it’s vital retailers use data to inform pricing and sourcing strategies for this new and perhaps unfamiliar part of the market where gut instinct alone can no longer be relied upon. Used electric vehicles are a great option for many drivers and importantly represent a significant opportunity for retailers.”
In a such a nuanced market, knowing what to buy, and what it’s worth, is vital. Auto Trader’s Retail Check provides real-time insights into Retail Rating, predicted Days to Sell, and Target Buy Price, helping retailers buy with confidence and work retail-back for pricing. Co-Driver tools such as Smart Image Management, AI Generated Descriptions and Vehicle Highlights make listing unfamiliar vehicles fast and frictionless, so retailers can expand stock mix without slowing down business processes.
Auto Trader offers a suite of additional support for retailers looking to start their electric journey:
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