Dealer Auction has reported another strong month for alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) in March 2025, with its latest EV Performance Review (EVPR) showing falling stock age and mileage, and strong trade activity across hybrids and EVs.
The average age of AFVs sold dropped from 4.2 years to 3.4 years, a 20.8% decrease, marking the lowest level recorded in 2025 to date. Average mileage also dropped sharply, falling 24.4% from 33,980 to 26,242, dipping below 30,000 miles for the first time since Dealer Auction began tracking AFV performance in January 2024.
Dealer Auction’s marketplace director Kieran TeeBoon said: “It’s great to see March building on February’s results, especially in the targeted areas of getting younger vehicles with lower mileages attracting prospective AFV customers. Building on these initiatives will be a key point in driving AFV sales for the rest of the year.”
March also saw robust trading activity with 5,772 bids placed, and while the average retail margin dipped slightly, it remained solid at £2,897.
The standout performer was the hybrid Volvo XC90, which recorded an average gross margin of £5,482, surpassing its July 2024 figure of £5,106. The Tesla Model 3 also impressed, topping the CAP performance chart and ranking fourth in margin, with an average of £3,607.
Hybrid models dominated the top 10 by gross margin, including the Land Rover Discovery Sport (£4,428), Lexus NX (£3,632), BMW 3 Series (£3,492) and MINI Countryman (£3,387). Toyota also continued to perform strongly, with multiple models including the Yaris, Corolla, RAV4, C-HR and Auris ranking among the best sellers.
Hyundai’s hybrid Tucson again led the sales chart and remained in the CAP top 10, while the Nissan Leaf joined the Tesla Model 3 as one of two electric vehicles in the CAP top three.
TeeBoon added: “March has been another strong month for preowned AFVs. But as we’re on the cusp of the VED changes coming in for new vehicles, it will be interesting to see if this impacts used statistics over the next month. What it will show is a clear indication of what dealers and consumers are looking for in AFV vehicles, and if preference leans to either hybrid or electric vehicles. It continues to be a very exciting segment, and we can’t wait to see what next month brings.”
