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Prices for secondhand electric and hybrid cars have fallen for a fifth consecutive quarter. The average price of the most in-demand used EVs and hybrids dropped by 1.7% in the first three months of 2026 to £16,553

That leaves prices 7.1% lower than a year ago, according to figures from the AA Cars Used Car Index. The continued fall comes as interest in electric models rises. Searches for EVs jumped 26.4% in the three weeks from February 28 to March 21 compared with the previous three-week period, suggesting drivers are reassessing fuel costs as pump prices climb.

The biggest annual fall among the most sought-after models was recorded by the Nissan Leaf, down 24.6% year-on-year to £8,308. Other notable declines included the Toyota Prius (-14.0%), Renault Zoe (-14.1%) and Ford Puma hybrid (-14.5%).

Despite the broader downward trend, some hybrid models have bucked the pattern. The Lexus RX rose 7.3% year-on-year, while the Honda Jazz hybrid and Lexus CT hybrid recorded gains of 1.3% and 2.0% respectively.

The Toyota Yaris hybrid remained the most searched-for low-emission model, followed by the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius, highlighting continued demand for practical, lower-cost vehicles.

Top 10 most searched used EVs and hybrids (Q1 2026)

In contrast, used petrol cars edged higher in the opening quarter of the year. Average prices for the most searched petrol models rose 1.6% to £10,348 compared with the final quarter of 2025. However, they remain 3.4% lower than a year earlier.

The Ford Fiesta continues to top the petrol rankings despite a 10.8% annual price drop. Other notable fallers include the Nissan Micra (-12.3%), Honda Jazz (-11.8%) and Toyota Aygo (-11.6%).

Some petrol models have seen stronger recent gains. The Nissan Juke rose 8.7% year-on-year, while the Volkswagen Golf increased 3.3% annually.

Top 10 most searched used petrol cars (Q1 2026)

James Hosking, managing director of AA Cars, said: "Used EV and hybrid prices continued to soften in Q1, extending the gradual reset we've seen over the past year. That is helping make low-emission cars more attainable for a wider group of buyers, particularly motorists who may have previously viewed them as out of reach.

"What stands out is that demand remains active even as prices adjust. The Toyota Yaris hybrid continues to top our search rankings, and we're also seeing strong interest in more affordable EVs such as the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe. For many drivers, the used market is becoming the most realistic route into electric and hybrid motoring.

He added: "EV searches rose by more than a quarter in the three weeks after February 28compared with the previous three weeks, against a backdrop of significantly higher fuel prices.

"It would be wrong to draw sweeping conclusions from a short-term movement alone, but it does fit a pattern we've seen before. When fuel prices rise, some motorists take a fresh look at EVs and hybrids because of the potential savings on day-to-day running costs.

"That said, affordability remains the key issue across the market as a whole. Petrol cars are still attracting very strong interest, and while average prices among the most searched-for models ticked up compared with the tail end of 2025, they remain lower than this time last year. Buyers are clearly focused on value, reliability, and overall cost of ownership, regardless of fuel type.

"For consumers, these trends create real opportunity. There is now a broader choice of used cars at more accessible price points, whether you're considering petrol, hybrid, or fully electric. As always, buyers should do their homework carefully and make sure they understand a vehicle's condition, history, and running costs before committing."