The number of UK drivers leasing secondhand electric vehicles has surged as motorists look for cheaper alternatives amid rising petrol prices, with used EV leasing up 170% in a year across members of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA). The growth reflects both a swelling supply of used electric cars, as early adopters trade in their vehicles, and increasing financial pressure from fuel costs following steep petrol price rises since the US and Israel's attacks on Iran in February. Industry figures see used EV leasing as the next major route to widening electric vehicle adoption, particularly among households previously priced out of the market.

The BVRLA said used electric vehicles leased via salary sacrifice schemes rose fivefold over the year, while personal contract hire for used EVs increased nearly sixfold and business contract hire for used EVs grew by 50%. More than two million electric cars are now on British roads, and about 85% of new UK vehicles are bought using finance. The Electric Car Scheme, a salary sacrifice provider, reported its used EV leasing had more than tripled since launching in 2024, with its chief executive forecasting further growth of 80–120% over the coming year as affordability improves and supply catches up with demand.