The biggest risers
These are Cap HPI's average trade values for three-year-old cars with 30,000 miles, comparing the latest figure with six months earlier. Trade values are what dealers pay, so the price on the forecourt will be higher.
| Model | Six months ago | Latest value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINI Cooper Electric (2019–24) | £9,905 | £12,710 | +28.3% |
| Tesla Model 3 (2019–24) | £18,375 | £22,188 | +20.9% |
| Polestar 2 (2019 on) | £18,057 | £21,822 | +20.9% |
| Cupra Born (2021 on) | £15,475 | £18,555 | +19.9% |
| Subaru Solterra (2022 on) | £13,350 | £15,925 | +19.3% |
| MG5 (2020–25) | £9,025 | £10,731 | +18.9% |
| Kia e-Niro (2018–23) | £12,867 | £15,233 | +18.4% |
| Volkswagen ID.3 (2020–24) | £12,648 | £14,870 | +17.6% |
| Peugeot E-208 (2019 on) | £9,593 | £11,262 | +17.4% |
| MG4 (2022 on) | £11,355 | £13,110 | +15.4% |
Source: Solera Cap HPI, as published by Auto Express on 3 November 2026. Three-year-old cars with 30,000 miles. We could not find the figures on Cap HPI's own website.
Why prices are rising
The main driver is the cost of fuel. Auto Express reports that diesel at around £2 a litre is now the norm, with petrol above 170p on average, which makes cheaper-to-run electric cars more attractive. Carwow, a sister site of Auto Express, says enquiries for electric cars rose 28% between March and the end of September 2026, while diesel enquiries fell 33%. See the latest pump prices in our fuel prices report.
A recovery, not a boom
Chris Plumb, head of valuations at Cap HPI, described the rises as a "recovery from previously depressed positions rather than a market running away with itself". He added: "It's important to look beyond the percentages."
Because used EV values had been so low, a big percentage rise can start from a small base. A 28% rise on the MINI is £2,805. The figures above are also six-month changes for electric cars only. Month-to-month movements across the whole used market can look quite different, so do not expect prices to keep rising at this pace.
What it means if you are buying or selling
- Buying: the cheapest used EVs are getting a little dearer, but many are still well below their prices of a few years ago. Compare asking prices with our car value calculator, and see the average advertised prices of popular models in our used electric car prices report.
- Check the battery and history: ask for a battery health report, check the MOT history for free, and work through our used car checklist.
- Selling or part-exchanging: your EV may be worth more than you think. Get several valuations before you accept an offer.
- Plan for running costs: electric cars will pay 3p a mile in pay-per-mile tax (eVED) from April 2028, and public charging can cost more than home charging. Compare in our petrol vs electric guide.
Mainstream brands are now selling electric cars in large numbers, which means more will reach the used market. Read about Vauxhall passing 100,000 EV sales in the UK.
Questions drivers ask
Are used electric car prices going up?
Yes, for now. Cap HPI data shows some three-year-old EVs rose by 15% to 28% in trade value over the latest six months. Cap HPI says this is a recovery from low prices, not a boom.
Which used EV has gone up in value the most?
The MINI Cooper Electric, which rose 28.3% from £9,905 to £12,710 over six months for a three-year-old car with 30,000 miles.
Why are used electric car values rising?
Mainly because of high petrol and diesel prices, which have increased demand for cheaper-to-run electric cars.
Is now a good time to buy a used electric car?
Prices of some models have risen, but many are still lower than a few years ago. Compare prices, check the battery health and MOT history, and factor in pay-per-mile tax from April 2028.
Sources
- Auto Express: Used electric car prices bounce by up to 28% as fuel costs surge (3 November 2026)
- Motor Trade News: Used EV values rise by up to 28% in six months, Solera Cap HPI finds
- EV Fleet World: Used EV values surge by up to 28% as rocketing fuel prices drive market demand
Facts checked against the sources above on 4 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
