UK dealers recorded a 9.3% increase in average retail profit margin performance in May, with retailers making a particular success of retailing used Tesla Model 3s, according to Dealer Auction data.
Dealer Auction’s EV Performance (EVPR) reveals a consistent performance for alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) in May 2025, showcasing strong growth metrics and standout models that consistently perform well in the market.
The average profit margin figure of £3,059 for EVs should service as a boost to EV dealership financial confidence.
The average sold price for EVs also increased by over £2,000 month-on-month, to spur confidence in the EV market a little further.
Average mileage also fell once again to 27,371, dipping below the 30,000-mile mark, where figures have been averaging across 2025. The average age also fell from 3.4 years to 3.2 years old.
Hybrid saw a significant boost in their share of sales, rising over 29% from last month – from 5.53% to 7.15%.
Small numbers but a clear sign of their growing popularity, often mirrored by the types of models dominating the sales charts.
Dealer Auction’s marketplace director, Kieran TeeBoon, said: “Dealerships can take great encouragement from these statistics.
“Not only is it becoming clearer which types of EV they should sell, but we can see how the market is frequently demonstrating its profitability.”
TeeBoon concluded: “May has been another high-performing month for AFVs. We’re seeing growth in profit, sales and consistency in model preferences, all of which is a move in the right direction. It’ll be exciting to see whether this positive trend continues in next month’s figures.”
Tesla continues an impressive run, securing second place with the pure-electric Tesla Model 3 for average margin.
Lexus also stands out, with the UX hybrid compact SUV leading the pack with the highest-margin model of the year so far at £4,722, compared to the Tesla’s £3,710 – making it the undisputed top performer in this category this month.
It’s also a strong comeback for the hybrid Hyundai Tucson, which ranked within the top four across all tables this month. It was the top seller for the fourth time this year, and also came in third for CAP Clean performance with 99.13% and fourth for margin. The Tucson has demonstrated consistent profit success in 2025, and also came top of this month’s Dealer Auction’s Retail Margin Monitor, which tracks the highest profit margins across all fuel types each month.
TeeBoon concluded: “May has been another high-performing month for AFVs. We’re seeing growth in profit, sales and consistency in model preferences, all of which is a move in the right direction.
“It’ll be exciting to see whether this positive trend continues in next month’s figures.”