Used electric car sales up 39% as Tesla Model 3 named top-selling EV

The increasing popularity of electric cars has been revealed by cinch, the UK’s leading online used car retailer.

Sales of used EVs on cinch’s website and app grew by 39% between Jan-Mar 2024 and Jan-Mar 2025, thanks in part to decreasing EV prices, which were down 4% year-on-year.

Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, said: “We predicted 2025 was going to be the year many drivers made the switch to electric, and our latest data bears that out.

“While petrol and diesel cars continue to deliver the most used car sales overall, EVs and hybrids are the fastest growing markets.

“With the introduction of several new and exciting Chinese EV brands such as BYD and OMODA, it’s an exciting time for the industry.”

Tesla’s Model 3 continued to spark interest in used EV buyers during the first three months of 2025, jumping four places to take top spot in cinch’s sales rankings.

The versatile Hyundai KONA Electric emerged as a serious choice for many EV drivers, coming from outside the top 10 in 2024 to position four in 2025’s list.

Other new entrants to the top 10 included the VW ID.3 and Jaguar’s I-PACE.

Sheehan said: “Our sales data shows the wide variety of EVs now on the market. From long-held favourites such as the Nissan LEAF to newer models like the KONA Electric, there are some great options for those looking to go electric in 2025.”

While not yet in the overall top 10 sales chart, several Chinese car brands have started to make their mark with UK used car buyers.

BYD saw a 300% increase in sales on cinch’s website (Q4 2024 vs. Q1 2025), while sales of OMODA and ORA also rose quarter-on-quarter.

While Tesla’s Model 3 was the overall best-selling EV, its sibling – the Model Y – was the fastest-selling EV during the first three months of 2025.

The Model Y sold quicker on average than Ford’s Mustang Mach-E in second place and the Hyundai IONIQ (third).

Thanks in part to sales of its electrified version, the Vauxhall Corsa continued its run as the most-sold car on cinch during the first quarter of 2025.

In the first quarter of 2024, the OG of popular SUVs – Nissan’s Qashqai – pipped the Corsa to top spot. But the hatchback has roared back since, and its popularity shows no sign of waning.

Sheehan explained, “With an affordable price point in the used market and a pleasing variety of colours, trims and fuelling options, it’s no wonder the Corsa remains our top-selling car for a second consecutive quarter.

“Elsewhere, we’ve seen a continued decline in popularity of what once was Britain’s most-sold car: the Ford Focus. It dropped from second position in Q1 2024 to sixth place on our 2025 list.

“Ford recently announced it’ll stop making the Focus from November this year. Buyers seem to be backing other runners in the Ford stable – such as the Kuga or Puma – or similar budget-friendly small SUVs from other manufacturers.”

It won’t surprise many drivers to see Ford, VW and Vauxhall take the podium positions in the top-selling manufacturer list.

Thanks to models such as the Fiesta and Puma, Ford is often the go-to brand for used car buyers looking for affordable cars that can do it all.

The trusted appeal of a VW badge continues to entice buyers, while the Corsa and Mokka are examples of Vauxhall’s appeal to budget-conscious drivers.

SUVs: the popular pick for buyers

cinch’s data also shines a light on the buying habits of Britain’s motorists, who continue to turn to the SUV as their favoured type of car.

Thanks to their elevated driving position, practicality and abundance of options on the market, searches for SUVs on cinch grew by 24% between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025.

Conversely, searches for estate cars were down 1%, while hatchbacks saw a relatively modest 5% increase year-on-year.

Sheehan said: “You just have to look at Britain’s streets to see how much SUVs dominate the car market. From budget-friendly compact crossovers to larger luxury options, there’s an SUV out there for everyone.”

Cold snap heats up searches

As UK temperatures fell below freezing in the first two weeks of January 2025, searches for cars with heated seats soared on cinch.

Demonstrating that seasonal factors can have a direct effect on buying behaviour, searches for heated seats jumped by 77% during the cold snap compared to December 2024’s daily average.