Used Electric Cars Remain Slow Sellers – USCALE Study Reveals Key Obstacles And Possible Measures

EV Used Car Study 2025: Used electric cars remain slow sellers – USCALE study reveals key obstacles and possible measures

Stuttgart, 7 October 2025 – For the ramp-up of electric mobility in Germany to succeed, the used car market for electric vehicles must finally pick up speed. However, sales of young used electric cars are falling short of expectations. There are many assumptions about the reasons for this, but no data – dealers and suppliers lack clear recommendations for action.

In a large-scale study, USCALE has now examined the BEV used car market in detail for the first time. The focus was on the expectations and experiences of used car buyers in the information and purchase phase, key barriers and potential levers for stimulating the market. Particular attention was also paid to the differences between the BEV new car market and the traditional combustion engine used car market.

The study offers the first in-depth insights into the challenges and opportunities for the electrification of the used car segment in Germany.

Key Insights

• Buyers of used electric cars are more likely to look for offers in smaller vehicle segments than buyers of new BEVs. However, supply in this segment is even scarcer than in the new car market.
• Used car buyers have less information about electric cars than new car buyers. While new car buyers’ satisfaction with the advice they receive at car dealerships has increased significantly in recent years, used car buyers’ satisfaction remains low.
• The particular advantage of electric cars lies in their generally lower consumption and repair costs. While new car buyers particularly appreciate this advantage, used car buyers focus much more strongly on the vehicle price. This means that an important selling point for electric vehicles is losing its significance.
• Used car buyers say they are less likely to be able to charge their cars at home or at work than new car buyers. They also tend to live in cities and are therefore more reliant on public charging facilities.
• When it comes to barriers to purchase, concern about low charging capacity dominates for used car buyers, even ahead of concern about low range. Added to this is uncertainty about battery durability and the long-term supply of spare parts.
• In terms of cost, buyers of used BEVs expect price parity with BEV combustion engine vehicles. In terms of running costs, however, they expect financial advantages over conventional drive systems.

Several factors therefore make it difficult to sell used electric vehicles. This makes it all the more important for suppliers and dealers to respond specifically to the needs and expectations of potential buyers. The study provides numerous concrete starting points for how the used car market for electric cars can be successfully designed and (further) developed.

About this study

A total of 1,263 electric car buyers in Germany were surveyed for the study in July 2025. Of these, 604 had purchased a used electric car and 659 were planning to purchase a used electric car. For comparison, an additional 532 buyers of used combustion engine cars and 1,265 buyers of new BEVs were surveyed.

The study analyses in detail the expectations and purchasing behaviour of used BEV buyers and highlights what suppliers can do to support the sale of used electric cars.

The complete study is available as part of B2B marketing under the title “EV Retail Study – Used Cars 2025”. In order to summarise the key findings for the public, we have chosen a more concise title for this press release.

Expert Perspectives

Dr Axel Sprenger, founder and managing director of USCALE GmbH:

“The conditions in the used electric vehicle market are anything but straightforward. A discerning group of buyers faces a unique market environment and an infrastructure that often falls short of their needs.”

“Despite these challenges, there are plenty of untapped opportunities. Unlike the new car market, retailers and suppliers have yet to fully adapt to the specific expectations of used EV buyers.”

Further material

PRESS HANDOUT with graphics
More information on the study
Overview of all study content

About USCALE

USCALE is Germany’s leading market research firm for electric mobility. The company’s studies uncover customer pain points and opportunities across every aspect of the EV user journey. Supported by a proprietary panel of more than 10,000 EV drivers, USCALE provides actionable intelligence for the entire electric mobility sector.

Contact

USCALE GmbH, Silberburgstrasse 112, D – 70176 Stuttgart, +49 711 620014-0, media@uscale.digital