Prices for secondhand electric and hybrid vehicles have declined for the fifth straight quarter. The average cost of the most popular used EVs and hybrids fell 1.7% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching £16,553. This marks a 7.1% drop compared to the same period last year, based on the latest used car market data.
The downward trend persists amid growing interest in electric models. Searches for EVs surged 26.4% during the three weeks from February 28 to March 21, compared to the prior period, as drivers weigh rising fuel costs at the pumps.
Significant Price Declines in Popular Models
The Nissan Leaf saw the steepest annual drop among top models, falling 24.6% to £8,308. Other notable decreases include the Toyota Prius at -14.0%, Renault Zoe at -14.1%, and Ford Puma hybrid at -14.5%.
While most hybrids followed the decline, a few bucked the trend. The Lexus RX climbed 7.3% year-on-year, with the Honda Jazz hybrid up 1.3% and Lexus CT hybrid gaining 2.0%.
The Toyota Yaris hybrid leads searches for low-emission used cars, followed by the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius, underscoring demand for affordable, practical options.
Top 10 Most Searched Used EVs and Hybrids (Q1 2026)
- Toyota Yaris (hybrid): £14,847 (-1.7%)
- Nissan Leaf: £8,308 (-24.6%)
- Toyota Prius (hybrid): £8,620 (-14.0%)
- Nissan Qashqai (hybrid): £19,114 (-11.5%)
- Honda Jazz (hybrid): £17,187 (+1.3%)
- Toyota Corolla (hybrid): £18,287 (-0.6%)
- Toyota C-HR (hybrid): £18,277 (-3.4%)
- Kia Niro (hybrid): £16,531 (-10.7%)
- Lexus RX (hybrid): £27,129 (+7.3%)
- Hyundai Kona (hybrid): £16,220 (+7.3%)
Petrol Car Prices Show Mixed Trends
In contrast, average prices for the most searched used petrol models rose 1.6% to £10,348 from the end of 2025. However, they remain 3.4% below last year’s levels.
The Ford Fiesta tops petrol searches despite a 10.8% annual drop. Other declines hit the Nissan Micra (-12.3%), Honda Jazz (-11.8%), and Toyota Aygo (-11.6%). Gains appeared in models like the Nissan Juke (+8.7%) and Volkswagen Golf (+3.3%).
Top 10 Most Searched Used Petrol Cars (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%)
Expert Insights on Market Shifts
James Hosking, managing director of AA Cars, noted: “Used EV and hybrid prices continued to soften in Q1, extending the gradual reset we’ve seen over the past year. That is helping make low-emission cars more attainable for a wider group of buyers, particularly motorists who may have previously viewed them as out of reach.”
He added: “What stands out is that demand remains active even as prices adjust. The Toyota Yaris hybrid continues to top our search rankings, and we’re also seeing strong interest in more affordable EVs such as the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe. For many drivers, the used market is becoming the most realistic route into electric and hybrid motoring.”
Hosking continued: “EV searches rose by more than a quarter in the three weeks after February 28 compared with the previous three weeks, against a backdrop of significantly higher fuel prices. It would be wrong to draw sweeping conclusions from a short-term movement alone, but it does fit a pattern we’ve seen before. When fuel prices rise, some motorists take a fresh look at EVs and hybrids because of the potential savings on day-to-day running costs.”
“That said, affordability remains the key issue across the market as a whole. Petrol cars are still attracting very strong interest, and while average prices among the most searched-for models ticked up compared with the tail end of 2025, they remain lower than this time last year. Buyers are clearly focused on value, reliability, and overall cost of ownership, regardless of fuel type.”
“For consumers, these trends create real opportunity. There is now a broader choice of used cars at more accessible price points, whether you’re considering petrol, hybrid, or fully electric. As always, buyers should do their homework carefully and make sure they understand a vehicle’s condition, history, and running costs before committing.”
