The common worth of probably the most in-demand used EVs and hybrids dropped by 1.7% within the first three months of 2026
Electrical vehicles: Ford UK element motoring choices for drivers
Costs for secondhand electrical and hybrid vehicles have fallen for a fifth consecutive quarter. The common worth of probably the most in-demand used EVs and hybrids dropped by 1.7% within the first three months of 2026 to £16,553
That leaves costs 7.1% decrease than a 12 months in the past, in accordance with figures from the AA Vehicles Used Automobile Index. The continued fall comes as curiosity in electrical fashions rises. Searches for EVs jumped 26.4% within the three weeks from February 28 to March 21 in contrast with the earlier three-week interval, suggesting drivers are reassessing gas prices as pump costs climb.
The most important annual fall among the many most sought-after fashions was recorded by the Nissan Leaf, down 24.6% year-on-year to £8,308. Different notable declines included the Toyota Prius (-14.0%), Renault Zoe (-14.1%) and Ford Puma hybrid (-14.5%).
Regardless of the broader downward development, some hybrid fashions have bucked the sample. The Lexus RX rose 7.3% year-on-year, whereas the Honda Jazz hybrid and Lexus CT hybrid recorded good points of 1.3% and a couple of.0% respectively.
The Toyota Yaris hybrid remained probably the most searched-for low-emission mannequin, adopted by the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius, highlighting continued demand for sensible, lower-cost automobiles.
ome hybrid fashions have bucked the sample (Picture: Getty) Motoring information and recommendation plus chosen affords and competitions Subscribe Invalid electronic mail
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may occasionally embody adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You may unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Prime 10 most searched used EVs and hybrids (Q1 2026)
In distinction, used petrol vehicles edged increased within the opening quarter of the 12 months. Common costs for probably the most searched petrol fashions rose 1.6% to £10,348 in contrast with the ultimate quarter of 2025. Nevertheless, they continue to be 3.4% decrease than a 12 months earlier.
The Ford Fiesta continues to prime the petrol rankings regardless of a ten.8% annual worth drop. Different notable fallers embody the Nissan Micra (-12.3%), Honda Jazz (-11.8%) and Toyota Aygo (-11.6%).
Some petrol fashions have seen stronger latest good points. The Nissan Juke rose 8.7% year-on-year, whereas the Volkswagen Golf elevated 3.3% yearly.
Prime 10 most searched used petrol vehicles (Q1 2026)
- Ford Fiesta £7,725 (-10.8%)
- Vauxhall Corsa £8,960 (-2.3%)
- Volkswagen Polo £11,902 (+1.9%)
- Ford Focus £10,046 (-4.5%)
- Vauxhall Astra £8,248 (-0.8%)
- Volkswagen Golf £15,162 (+3.3%)
- Fiat 500 £6,721 (-1.7%)
- Nissan Qashqai £12,098 (-7.0%)
- Audi A1 £14,924 (-4.4%)
- Toyota Aygo £7,028 (-11.6%)
Associated articles
James Hosking, managing director of AA Vehicles, mentioned: “Used EV and hybrid costs continued to melt in Q1, extending the gradual reset we’ve seen over the previous 12 months. That’s serving to make low-emission vehicles extra attainable for a wider group of patrons, significantly motorists who might have beforehand considered them as out of attain.
“What stands out is that demand stays energetic whilst costs regulate. The Toyota Yaris hybrid continues to prime our search rankings, and we’re additionally seeing robust curiosity in additional reasonably priced EVs such because the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe. For a lot of drivers, the used market is changing into probably the most life like route into electrical and hybrid motoring.
He added: “EV searches rose by greater than 1 / 4 within the three weeks after February 28compared with the earlier three weeks, in opposition to a backdrop of considerably increased gas costs.
“It might be incorrect to attract sweeping conclusions from a short-term motion alone, however it does match a sample we’ve seen earlier than. When gas costs rise, some motorists take a recent have a look at EVs and hybrids due to the potential financial savings on day-to-day operating prices.
“That mentioned, affordability stays the important thing difficulty throughout the market as a complete. Petrol vehicles are nonetheless attracting very robust curiosity, and whereas common costs among the many most searched-for fashions ticked up in contrast with the tail finish of 2025, they continue to be decrease than this time final 12 months. Patrons are clearly targeted on worth, reliability, and total price of possession, no matter gas sort.
“For shoppers, these traits create actual alternative. There’s now a broader selection of used vehicles at extra accessible worth factors, whether or not you’re contemplating petrol, hybrid, or absolutely electrical. As all the time, patrons ought to do their homework rigorously and ensure they perceive a car’s situation, historical past, and operating prices earlier than committing.”
Leave a Reply