Electric Vehicles (Evs) at Auction: Are They Finally Worth a Look?

EVs – We’ve had a lot of enquiries recently asking the same thing:

“Are electric cars actually worth buying at auction?”

The short answer is yes — but like most things in life, it depends on how and where you buy. In this article, we’ll explain:

• Why there are suddenly so many EVs at auction
• What’s happening with prices (and how you can take advantage)
• What to watch out for with second-hand EVs
• And why using a service like ours can make all the difference

🔄 Why More EVs Are Showing Up at Auction

Three to four years ago, EVs were all the rage. Companies were buying them for fleets, individuals were snapping them up on salary sacrifice schemes, and leasing deals were being offered left, right and centre — especially after the government announced various incentives.

Fast forward to now, and many of those lease vehicles are coming to the end of their term. That means a surge of EVs (mainly from 2020–2022) is now hitting the auction market.

At the moment, we’re regularly seeing:

• Tesla Model 3s

• Nissan Leafs

• Hyundai Ioniq 5s

• Kia e-Niros

• Volkswagen ID.3s and ID.4s

This is good news — more choice means more opportunity for us to pick out the best-value vehicles for our customers.

💷 Prices Have Dropped — And That’s an Opportunity

It’s no secret: EV prices have fallen sharply over the last 18 months. Some used models that were £30,000 a year or two ago are now struggling to hit £20,000 at auction.

Why the drop?

• Massive new-car discounts: Tesla and others slashed prices, which hurt the resale values of older models.
• Range anxiety and charging concerns still put some buyers off.
• Fleet disposals caused a flood of similar cars all at once, which pushed values down.

But what goes down eventually stabilises — and we’re now seeing signs that prices are starting to level off. For buyers, especially at auction, this is a great time to step in while values are low and before demand catches up again.

For example, a 2021 Hyundai Ioniq 5 that might retail for £24,000 on a forecourt is sometimes selling under £19,000 at auction — even with relatively low mileage and a full history. That’s a big saving.

🔋 What to Be Aware Of When Buying a Used EV

Of course, there are a few key differences when buying an EV compared to a petrol or diesel car. Here’s what we always explain to our customers:

1. Battery Health

This is the EV equivalent of engine condition. Over time, all batteries degrade, but how much depends on how the car has been used and charged.

Most EVs still hold around 85–95% battery capacity after 3–5 years, but it’s worth checking, especially on older models. Where possible, we’ll source battery state-of-health reports or choose vehicles that come with verified auction checks.

2. Range Expectations

Real-world range often falls short of the advertised figures — and even more so in winter. It’s important to choose an EV with a realistic range for your driving habits. If you regularly do long trips, a 100–150 mile range might not cut it.

3. Charging Setup

Do you have a driveway or garage where you can install a home charger? If not, how good are the public charging options near you?

We’re happy to help you factor this in — especially if you’re new to EVs. The right car in the wrong setup can be a hassle.

4. Road Tax & Future Rules

From April 2025, electric vehicles will no longer be exempt from road tax, and those originally priced over £40,000 will also face the luxury car supplement. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth being aware of the changes.

✅ Why Use Car Auction Buying Service for an EV?

Buying an EV at auction without help can be a minefield. There are a lot of unknowns, especially when it comes to condition, battery life, and accurate valuations. That’s where we come in.

With CABS, you’ll get:

• Expert Guidance – We’ll talk you through what EVs are worth considering, which ones to avoid, and how to maximise your budget.
• Access to the Best Stock – We monitor daily listings at BCA, Manheim, VWFS (1Link), and others — you’ll get eyes on cars most people never see.
• Battery & Condition Reports – Where available, we’ll obtain auction grading, battery reports, and manufacturer warranty info to give you confidence.
• Fixed Transparent Fee – No surprises. You pay our flat fee (starting from £295), and we’ll bid until we secure you the right car.
• Ongoing Support – We’ll advise you on collection, temporary insurance, tax, and even warranty options for peace of mind.

🚀 Is Now the Right Time?

If you’re considering going electric — especially for local commuting, school runs, or short daily trips — this is one of the best times to buy. Prices are still soft, and there’s good choice at auction if you know where to look.

You don’t need to worry about the process or the pitfalls — that’s what we’re here for.

👋 Thinking About an EV?

Just drop us a message with a few details:

• Your budget
• Rough idea of mileage or range you need
• Must-have features (boot space, reversing camera, heated seats, etc.)

We’ll send over some auction-ready examples and talk you through the process.

Electric cars aren’t for everyone — but if they suit your lifestyle, buying one at auction could save you thousands. Let’s explore the options together.

Ready to Buy Smarter?