Buyers in the UK’s used electric vehicle market show a strong preference for models offering at least 300 miles of battery range, data from Startline Used Car Tracker reveals. The survey of car dealerships indicates that 38% of dealers report this as the average demand from potential customers. A notable 23% of dealers say buyers specifically seek vehicles capable of 400 miles or more on a single charge.
Only 17% of dealers believe motorists would accept a used EV with just 200 miles of range, while just 3% consider 100 miles an acceptable compromise. These figures show a clear market trend toward higher-range models, despite real-world data showing most UK drivers rarely exceed 127 miles per week. The average battery range across the 170 electric models currently available in the UK stands at 236 miles, meaning newer vehicles frequently meet or exceed buyer expectations.
The demand for 300-mile range vehicles stands out because it far surpasses typical weekly driving distances. Most drivers likely never fully test their battery capacity, yet the perceived value of extended range remains high. Dealers explain that buyers focus on worst-case scenarios, their longest trip, rather than daily commutes. This perspective may explain why 15% of dealers report customers simply want the maximum range possible within their budget.
At the upper end of the spectrum, 3% of motorists explicitly seek 500-mile range, though fewer than 10 electric cars on the UK market currently deliver that capability. The BMW i3 50 xDrive leads with up to 566 miles of WLTP-tested range, but such long-range models remain rare. Meanwhile, 37% of used-car dealers struggle to sell lower-range EVs, suggesting even 200 miles may no longer satisfy buyer expectations.
Dealers also note evolving priorities among EV shoppers. While range remains a top concern, 65% say customers now prioritize charging speeds over battery capacity. This shift reflects growing familiarity with electric vehicles, as 55% of dealers believe drivers have a clearer understanding of their actual range needs. The data suggests that as EVs become more common, buyers are becoming more selective, and more demanding, about both performance and convenience.
He noted that modern EVs now meet most buyers’ needs, though lower-range models remain harder to sell.
