Sales of used Tesla Model Ys sold in 21 days in August on average, setting a new speed-of-sale record in Dealer Auction’s latest Electric Vehicle (EV) review.
The result highlights the used-car opportunity Tesla models offer franchised and independent dealers, despite the brand selling new cars directly through its own dealer network.
The latest data from Dealer Auction further highlights how Teslas acquired through part-exchanges and other trade channels can still provide desirable used stock for dealers competing with the manufacturer for customers.
The Model Y joined the Renault Zoe among the 10 highest-ranked cars in Dealer Auction’s CAP Clean performance chart.
Across the alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) market, the average dealer retail margin increased slightly to £3,250 in August. The average sold price rose to £14,037, accompanied by an increase in the number of bids placed.
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Younger AFV stock reaches the used market
The average age of AFVs sold through Dealer Auction dropped from a record 6.9 years in July to five years in August, the youngest average recorded since April.
Average mileage also fell, declining from 68,050 to 49,240 miles, although it remained towards the upper end of the figures seen during 2026.
Dealer Auction said the movement in age and mileage made 2026 an outlier compared with the previous two years.
Both measures remained relatively stable during the third quarters of 2024 and 2025, before falling in October as part-exchanges generated by the September registration plate change entered the used market.
Despite greater fluctuations during 2026, the rise in the average retail margin suggests dealers have adapted their buying and pricing to changing stock profiles.
Kieran TeeBoon, marketplace director at Dealer Auction, said some buyers waited for part-exchanges generated by the September plate change, while others sought to secure available stock during August.
He said the latest figures showed “there’s definitely a strong market for older EVs”, with the increase in bidding suggesting that some previously hesitant buyers had decided to act.
TeeBoon said: “Dealers able to offer varied stock can capitalise on these immediate opportunities.”
BMW X5 delivers highest dealer margin
Hybrid models occupied all 10 places in Dealer Auction’s ranking of the highest-margin AFVs during August.
The BMW X5 returned to first place with an average retail margin of £6,630. It previously led the ranking in June before dropping out of the top 10 in July.
Volvo models claimed the next three positions, with the XC90 followed by the XC60 and XC40.
The XC60 continues to hold the EV Performance Review’s margin record, having generated an average of £8,520 in March 2026.
Other returning models included the Ford Puma, which last appeared in September 2024, and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
The Lexus UX led the CAP Clean chart in August, while the Tesla Model Y and Renault Zoe gave fully electric cars two places in the top 10.
The Model Y’s average of 21 days to sale broke the speed-of-sale record established only a month earlier, showing the level of demand dealers can tap into when Tesla vehicles reach the trade.
Qashqai retains used AFV volume lead
The Nissan Qashqai remained the highest-volume AFV for a fourth consecutive month, the longest uninterrupted run recorded by the review.
The Nissan Leaf was the only fully electric vehicle to appear in the volume chart.
TeeBoon added: “While there’s no doubt that the plate changeover month will bring fresh stock, there are still plenty of opportunities in the market right now.
“EV sales continue to strengthen, and with the government opening up the ZEV mandate for consultation, the focus on alternative fuel vehicles will be stronger than ever.”