China also exported more than 500,000 used cars, many of them nearly unused.
Why this market is moving now
- Battery electric car value retention in five large European markets fell to 35% in 2025, from about 50% in 2022.
- From January 2026, China requires an after-sales service confirmation for cars exported within 180 days of first registration.
- Carmakers are adding buy-back guarantees, such as VinFast's offer of up to 90% of the price after six months in the Philippines.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used electric car sales passed 3 million in 2025 across China, the United States and five large European markets, up about 35% on 2024. | 3 million used electric cars (more than) | 2025 | |
| China sold more than 1.5 million used electric cars in 2025, about 8% of its used car sales. | 1.5 million used electric cars (more than) | 2025 | |
| In France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, electric cars were about 4% of used car sales in 2025, up from 1% in 2021. | 4 % of used car transactions | 2025 | |
| The United States was the smallest of the major used electric car markets tracked, with fewer than 400,000 sales in 2025, and Tesla held three of its top five used EV models. | 400,000 used electric cars (fewer than) | 2025 | |
| Average resale values of electric cars in China fell to 42% by late 2025. | 42 % value retention | 2025 | |
| In the five large European markets, battery electric car value retention fell from about 50% in 2022 to 35% in 2025. | 35 % value retention | 2025 | |
| China exported more than 500,000 used cars in 2025, up from 15,000 in 2021. | 500,000 used cars exported (more than) | 2025 | |
| Industry estimates suggest 70% to 80% of China's used car exports are unused or have near-zero mileage. | 70-80 % of exports | 2025 | |
| Since January 2026, any car exported from China within 180 days of its first registration needs an after-sales service confirmation from the carmaker. | 180 days | 2026 | |
| VinFast offers to buy back its electric cars in the Philippines for up to 90% of the price after six months, and Hyundai guarantees residual values of up to 55%. | 90 % of original price (buy-back) | 2026 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Companies to watch
VinFast
Offers to buy back its electric cars in the Philippines for up to 90% of the price after six months.
Hyundai
Guarantees residual values of up to 55% for its electric cars.
Tesla
Held three of the top five used EV models sold in the United States in 2025.
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global used EV market?
Used electric car sales passed 3 million in 2025 across China, the United States and five large European markets, up about 35% on 2024.
Which country sells the most used electric cars?
China sold more than 1.5 million in 2025, about 8% of its used car sales. The United States was the smallest major market tracked, with fewer than 400,000.
Do used electric cars hold their value?
Less well than other cars. Electric car resale values in China fell to 42% by late 2025. In five large European markets, battery electric retention fell to 35% in 2025 from about 50% in 2022.
What are zero-mileage used EV exports?
China exported more than 500,000 used cars in 2025, and industry estimates suggest 70% to 80% of them were unused or had near-zero mileage.
What rules affect used car exports from China?
Since January 2026, a car exported within 180 days of first registration needs an after-sales service confirmation from the carmaker.
Do carmakers guarantee used EV values?
Some do. VinFast offers up to 90% of the price after six months in the Philippines, and Hyundai guarantees residual values of up to 55%.
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