According to the latest data from Auto Trader’s Fastest Selling Index, the 2016 Nissan LEAF was the UK’s fastest selling used car in 2021, taking an average of just 17 days to leave forecourts.
It marks only the second time a fully electric vehicle (EV) has topped the annual top 10 list during the seven years Auto Trader has monitored the market’s fastest sellers.
The index, which tracks the potential speed at which vehicles will sell based on live supply and demand in the market, reflects the recent surge in demand for electric and low-emission vehicles.
The data shows a stunning reduction in the average time it takes for a used EV to sell. On average, a used EV in December sold in just 26 days, which is eight days faster than the average time it takes for a used petrol vehicle to sell (34) and four days faster than a used diesel (30).
This is a drop of 18 days from the start of 2021, where used EVs were taking an average of 44 to sell on UK forecourts.
Auto Trader’s Commercial Product Director, Karolina Edwards-Smajda, said: “It’s incredibly positive to see a pure electric car at the top of the list for 2021 for just the second time in the seven years we’ve been tracking the fastest selling used cars.
“There’s been a real breakthrough for EVs in the UK over the last few years, but 2021 really did mark a major step forward in terms of heightened levels of demand. This was driven, in part, by the greater choice and availability of models, as well as the recent fuel shortage which helped to further accelerate consumer consideration.
“Our data offers a clear sign of things to come and the exciting opportunity that electric vehicles represent for the industry.”