Used EVs are proving increasingly popular in the leasing market, according to new data from Octopus Electric Vehicles (Octopus EV).
Octopus EV saw a 177% surge in demand for used EVs in March year on year.
Affordability is a key driver behind the surge, with second-hand salary sacrifice deals – which allow drivers to pay through their gross salary – offering meaningful savings compared to new cars.
Gurjeet Grewal, CEO of Octopus Electric Vehicles, said: “We’re in the middle of an EV demand boom in the UK, and it’s clearly not just new cars that people are after.
“Drivers are waking up to the fact that going electric doesn’t have to mean paying new car prices. The jump in second-hand EV leasing shows people want a smarter, more affordable way to drive electric, while it’s clear that previous concerns about battery life are fading.
“With more high-quality, used EVs becoming available – a trend that is only set to increase – we’re making it easier than ever for drivers to cut costs.”
Separately, the Jaecoo 7 SUV has been named the most popular lease car of 2026 so far.
The figures have been revealed by Select Car Leasing, the UK’s largest leasing broker by volume, and show the Jaecoo 7 inching ahead of nearest rival the Kia Sportage.
Elsewhere in Select’s Top 10, the list is dominated by SUVs, with only the BYD Seal saloon and BYD Dolphin Surf hatchback deviating from that body type.
Half of the top 10 are fully-electric while four of the 10 are cars from Chinese manufacturers.
