Used electric cars drive records as fuel prices bite

Used electric cars drive records as fuel prices bite highlights a surge in Australia’s second-hand market for EVs as drivers look to manage rising fuel expenses. Pickles reported that electric car auction sales rose in June and are expected to increase further over the next year. The trend follows data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association showing EV sales climbed by more than 50% in the first six months of 2026, even as other vehicle categories declined. Pickles’ Quarterly Automotive Report, using figures from Datium Insights, said more than 50,000 electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were bought in June. Electric sales rose 11% during the month, while average prices peaked in May. It also noted used electric markets are set to gain as the first wave of EVs bought through novated leases reaches contract end. In the first half of 2026, used EV and plug-in hybrid volumes rose 54% to over 25,000, while overall used sales fell 6.6%.