New research suggests the next phase of the UK’s electric vehicle transition will be decided in the used car market, where confidence remains critically low.

Analysts argue that improving trust in battery longevity and access to affordable finance could deliver greater emissions reductions than continued focus on new car grants.

An AA and Electrifying.com survey of UK drivers in December 2025 found widespread misunderstanding around EV batteries.

Just 2% of drivers believe an electric vehicle battery typically lasts longer than a petrol or diesel engine, despite growing evidence that modern batteries often outlast combustion powertrains.

This lack of understanding is directly undermining confidence in used EVs. Only 3% of drivers say they feel confident buying a secondhand electric car, down from 8% in previous years.

Battery concerns are central to this hesitation. Some 38% of drivers said a formal battery health certificate would make them more likely to buy a used EV.

Ginny Buckley, chief executive of Electrifying.com, said: “I’ve long argued that the real engine of the EV transition is the used market, yet policy continues to focus almost exclusively on new cars.

“Practical measures like requiring standardised independent battery health checks, better consumer education and access to low-cost finance would do far more to unlock demand than continuing to prioritise new electric vehicle sales.”

While cost remains a barrier, the research suggests it is less pronounced in the used market.

Around 57% of drivers say new EVs cost too much, compared with 30% who say the same about used electric cars.

Support for targeted incentives is also stronger when focused on secondhand vehicles.

Some 44% of drivers said measures such as interest-free loans for used EVs would make them more likely to buy, compared with 9% influenced by the electric car grant for new models.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “A big uptick in the sales of used EVs would be a game changer.

“Drivers should be reassured that the Zero Emissions Vehicle mandate requires manufacturers to provide an 8-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty which will cover most used EVs.”

Campaigners argue that building confidence in used EVs could accelerate adoption, cut transport emissions and make the transition to cleaner mobility more accessible.