Motorists could snap up "seriously cheap" second-hand electric cars by 2026, according to new RAC predictions aimed at helping UK drivers navigate the booming EV market without breaking the bank.
The motoring organisation's analysis targets models expected to offer significant value as they hit the used car market, providing lower-cost entry points for drivers switching from petrol or diesel. This comes as the Government pushes ahead with its 2035 ban on new combustion engine car sales.
Affordable used EVs are seen as crucial for bringing electric motoring to ordinary families, moving beyond early adopters who snapped up expensive new models. The RAC's "seriously cheap picks" likely focus on smaller, established EV models that will have depreciated enough to reach budget-friendly prices—potentially including early electric hatchbacks or compact SUVs that have been available for several years.
For UK households, this matters. New electric vehicles remain prohibitively expensive for many, but a thriving second-hand market could accelerate the switch to electric transport. Drivers would benefit from lower running costs through cheaper electricity compared to petrol, plus potential savings from exemptions to charges like London's Ultra Low Emission Zone.
The environmental benefits are equally significant. More electric vehicles on UK roads—even older ones—means fewer tailpipe emissions in cities and progress towards net-zero targets. The RAC's guidance offers practical help for drivers wanting to go green whilst watching their finances.
The forecast highlights growing affordability in the electric vehicle sector, essential for widespread adoption across Britain. As the market matures and more EVs filter into the second-hand pool, consumers should see broader choice at various price points.