Used EVs selling at record speed with Tesla Model Y hottest car this October
Electric vehicles are selling faster than ever, taking just 23 days to leave forecourts - the quickest on record across all fuel types.
The top four fastest selling used cars this month are all ‘middle-aged’ (3-5 years) electric cars, with Tesla Model Y in the top spot, selling in just 11 days on average so far in October.
Price parity between 3–5-year-old used EVs and petrol cars drives surge in electric vehicle demand.
19th October 2025, London – According to the latest data from Autotrader, the UK’s largest automotive platform, the maturing used electric car market is fast coming of age, with electric vehicles (EVs) selling in record time in October. As well as selling at a faster pace than any other fuel type, EVs dominate the list of fastest selling models, led by the iconic Tesla Model Y (electric, 3-5 years), the UK’s ‘hottest’ used car, averaging a rapid 11 days to sell.
The used car market as a whole is showing steady momentum, with cars selling on average in just 27 days so far this October - two days quicker than the same month in 2024 and five days faster compared to October 2023[1]. Autotrader’s data shows that 3-5-year-old cars are selling even quicker, taking an average of just 24 days.
This surge in pace reflects robust buyer activity, underpinned by the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) in the used car market as increasing affordability and choice entice buyers keen to make the switch. This is reflected in the average speed in which electric cars are selling, with Autotrader’s data showing they’re outpacing all other fuel types, and by some margin. In fact, October marked the third consecutive month as the fastest-selling fuel type, leaving forecourts on average in just 23 days, which is the fastest on record across all fuel types and by some margin, showing growing enthusiasm for used EVs.
Market ‘sweet spot’ for buyers and sellers alike
Notably, in line with the wider market trend, ‘middle-aged’ (3-5 years old) electric cars are flying off forecourts in just 19 days on average this October, six days faster than their petrol rivals (25 days). Furthermore, 3-5-year-old electric constitute the top four of the hottest used cars this month, and across all fuel types 3-5-year-old cars represent six of the top ten.
A look at Autotrader’s pricing data, which is based on 800,000 daily pricing observations across the whole retail market, highlights why 3-5-year-old electric vehicles are fast becoming the ‘sweet spot’ for car buyers. While the average price of a used petrol car is around £15,000, and used EVs typically fetch £27,000, the story changes as we near the ‘middle-aged’ bracket where 1–5-year-old petrol models average £20,000 and the equivalent used EVs are just ahead at £21,000. As we near price parity this is translating directly into buyer behaviour, with drivers increasingly opting for electric when costs are comparable.
Not only are the top four hottest used cars this month electric, eight of the top 10 are alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFV). Indeed, so far this month used Full/Mild Hybrid cars are selling in 25 days on average and have outpaced petrol2. This pace underlines both the increasing demand for used EVs and the wider momentum behind the UK’s electric transition.
“The data tells us one thing loud and clear: consumer confidence in used EVs is growing fast, with electric models consistently selling faster than any other fuel type. Buyers have clearly found their sweet spot in the three- to five-year-old segment where pricing and value make them a hugely compelling option. “Given it's still a new frontier for many retailers, some trepidation in selling EVs is understandable, but the rapidly expanding size of the market and the indisputable levels of consumer demand make them a very strong opportunity - especially within middle-aged cohorts, where given the choice, consumers are choosing electric.
However, success depends on staying close to the data and leveraging the latest market intelligence to ensure you’re sourcing and pricing the right stock for your forecourt.”
Whilst fastest selling data is based on past data, Autotrader retailer partners can access expected days to sell data for in and out of stock vehicles via Retail Check in Portal or through third party systems integrated through Autotrader Connect.
Fastest-selling used cars in October (up to 13th October)
Slowest selling used cars in October (up to 13th October)
[1] October 2023: 32 average days to sell. October 2024: 29 average days to sell. October 2025: 27 average days to sell (as of October 17th 2025)
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