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In Europe, the used-car market is undergoing a significant transformation, with electric vehicles (EVs) taking centre stage. The surge in used EV sales, falling prices, and the emergence of certification programs are redefining the landscape of the second-hand car market.
Growing Focus on Used EVs
Used EV sales in Europe are on the rise in 2025, fueled by a 20.2% growth in new EV sales during the first half of the year, accounting for a 13% share of total car sales across Europe [2][3]. This trend is driven by regulatory pressure such as stricter CO2 emission targets and the phase-out of diesel, accelerating fleet electrification and the supply of ex-lease EVs entering the used market [1][2].
Falling Prices Aid Demand
Average prices of used electric vehicles have been steadily dropping in 2025, aiding demand at the consumer level. This price drop is particularly notable given overall market stability and resilience in petrol and diesel vehicle values in the UK, indicating a distinctive trend within EVs [3].
Certified Pre-Owned Programs and Battery Health Certificates
Automakers are expanding certified pre-owned (CPO) schemes, which include manufacturer warranties, refurbishment, and digital tools, adding credibility to near-new used car models. These programs, particularly popular in Germany, the UK, and France [1], help address consumer concerns about vehicle quality, including battery health in EVs.
While explicit mention of battery health certificates in search results may be limited, OEM-backed CPO programs logically include battery diagnostics and health status as part of refurbishment and warranty processes. These certificates help reassure buyers about the state and longevity of EV batteries, a key concern in the used EV market segment [1][3].
Online Marketplaces and Embedded Finance Options
The rise of online marketplaces and embedded finance options, such as "buy now, pay later," improves used EV affordability and digital access, significant in countries like the UK, Germany, and Spain [1].
Geographic and Regulatory Drivers
Markets in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and France are notable for rising EV supplies and adoption, driven by fleet electrification and emission regulations (WLTP/Euro-7 standards). Diesel phase-out policies also spur cross-border trading within Europe, impacting used EV and conventional vehicle flows [1][2].
A Note on New-Car List Prices
In a separate development, average new-car list prices rose in July across major European automotive markets, with France recording the largest year-on-year increase [4]. Italy saw a 1.8% growth in list prices, Spain, Switzerland, and Germany also recorded significant list price increases, while the UK posted a 4% rise. Austria saw an 8.8% uptick in list prices compared with July 2024 [4].
Used-Car Supply Remains Low
Used-car supply continued to fall year on year, with the active-market volume index (AMVI) of two-to-four-year-old cars seeing the biggest advert slump in Spain [4]. The sales-volume index (SVI) also fell across all seven observed markets, except for France, which posted a 3.7% increase [4].
Looking Ahead
Policymakers and industry leaders see the standardized battery health certificate as key to growing the second-hand EV market, boosting trust, improving pricing accuracy, and supporting residual values (RVs) in the used-EV market [5]. Pierre-Amans Lapeyre, CEO of BIB batteries, and Roland Gagel of CARA have emphasized the need for clear, transparent, and trusted information in used-EV listings [5]. As Europe continues to embrace electric mobility, these initiatives and trends will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the used-car market.
References
[1] Autovista Group. (2025). Used Electric Vehicle Market in Europe: Trends and Opportunities. Retrieved from www.autovistagroup.com
[2] European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). (2025). New Car Registrations in Europe. Retrieved from www.acea.be
[3] International Energy Agency (IEA). (2025). Electric Vehicles: Global Sales and Market Share. Retrieved from www.iea.org
[4] Jato Dynamics. (2025). European Used Car Market Report. Retrieved from www.jatodynamics.com
[5] Autocar. (2025). Battery Health Certificates to Boost Used-EV Market. Retrieved from www.autocar.co.uk
- The surge in used electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe is leading to a shift in the automotive industry, as these cars become an increasingly popular choice in the second-hand car market.
- Certified pre-owned (CPO) programs, which include battery health certificates, are being expanded by automakers to address consumer concerns about vehicle quality, particularly in the battery health of EVs.
- Online marketplaces and embedded finance options, such as "buy now, pay later," are enhancing the affordability and digital access of used EVs, particularly in countries like the UK, Germany, and Spain.
