Residual values for used electric vehicles (EVs) are growing as demand for zero-emission vehicles ramps up.
Shoreham Vehicle Auctions says the UK has reached a “tipping point of acceptance”.
The electric van market is growing with low mileage business users accepting the benefit of running a used van with very low running costs.
SVA’s managing director Alex Wright said the secret is the education given to dealers and consumers about the features and benefits of an ever-growing range of new and used cars now available.
West Sussex Council Fleet Goes Electric With Renault ZOE (Image: Renault)
“EVs need a used market that is alive and prospering. That’s why we have seen greater acceptance during 2018 and into 2019 which has boosted residuals.
“Companies have worked hard on education, including the SVA team’s training courses run in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust,” explained Wright.
“Leasing companies and finance companies can now underwrite EVs confident of a vehicle’s value in three-to-four years’ time which makes monthly rentals more competitive for companies and drivers alike.
“The next step is for the charging infrastructure to respond to market needs and provide a more reliable joined-up network of chargers across the country,” he added.
Wright cites the Nissan Leaf as a recent example of how the used market has changed. In 2017, a 2015 Nissan Leaf 6.6KW Acenta with 20,000 miles on the clock booked at £8,850. In 2019, a 2017 Nissan Leaf 6.6KW Acenta with the same mileage is booking at £11,000, a rise of £2,150.
Read more: FleetNews