Data from Dealer Auction’s EV Performance Review shows a solid performance from alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) in January 2025, with the Toyota Prius hybrid being the standout model.
The leading digital marketplace reported that bids received on AFVs jumped 72.8% to 5,569 in January, compared with December 2024. While a January jump was not unexpected following a traditionally quieter December for the industry, the new-year lift in bids for AFVs surpassed those on ICE models (which increased by 65%). What’s more, the number of bids in January surpasses the average month in 2024 (4,271).
When adding the rise in average sold price (to £16,781) and average retail margin (£3,052), plus the jump in ad views from 13,182 to 21,500, it clearly signals a strong start to the year for electric and hybrid models.
Dealer Auction’s Marketplace Director, Kieran TeeBoon, commented: “2025 is certainly upping the game, with higher sold prices, higher margin, bids and engagement metrics compared with the averages for 2024. This underscores the growing confidence in alternatively fuelled vehicles among customers and traders – and we hope this interest is sustained through the year. The key will be seeing younger and lower-mileage vehicles coming through.”
The age and mileage of the AFVs increased in January compared with December 2024; the average age increased from 3.1 to 4.3 years old, while the average mileage increased from around 34,000 to 36,129 miles. Age is a metric to watch as it appeared to fluctuate during 2024. May 2024 saw an average age of 5, which then fell to 3.5 in October – highlighting the importance of looking at the most recent data as well as broader trends.
Despite remaining a small percentage of the overall sales on the Dealer Auction platform (6.6% for hybrid and 1% for electric in January), AFVs continued to gain ground on the 2024 averages (4.7% and 0.88% respectively).
Turning to the top-performing trade-to-trade models in January 2025, the hybrid Toyota Prius was the star of the show. It topped the chart for average retail margin (£3,555) and CAP performance (115.7%) and was also the fifth biggest seller. It moved quickly, too – selling in 25 days on average.
The best-selling used AFV of 2024 – the Hyundai Tucson – proved its popularity once more in January. It was followed by the Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Yaris.
2024’s top performer for average gross margin, the hybrid Lexus RX, remained popular as we enter the new year. It secured fourth place with an average margin of £3,426. Lexus models performed well overall, taking three spots for CAP performance and two for average margin.
The premium-mainstream model splits were 10:90 for sold volume, 40:60 for CAP performance and 40:60 for average margin. The margin stat stands out as we see strong performances from premium models – in 2024, mainstream brands made up 90% of the top 10.
Hybrids continued to dominate the AFV market, occupying all the spots in the top 10 by volume sold and top 10 by average gross margin, and 80% of the CAP performance chart. The Renault Zoe and Nissan LEAF were the standout electric models – the former notably coming second in the CAP Performance rankings with 107%.
TeeBoon concluded: “The performance of hybrids will be no shock to followers of the EVPR, but the market’s appetite for AFVs continues to strengthen, so it’s important to keep a close eye on the key metrics as we move into 2025. I always point to November 2024, where we saw a big shake-up – with EVs accounting for seven of the top ten by average gross margin and six of the top ten by volume sold. Keeping a varied forecourt tells customers you’re serious about the future of motoring and providing a service that suits all lifestyles and preferences.”
About Dealer Auction
Dealer Auction is the UK’s leading digital remarketing platform. We give buyers and sellers more choice, better insight and greater margins. Dealer Auction is an independent company, created through a joint venture between Cox Automotive and Auto Trader. For more information, visit www.dealerauction.co.uk.
Launched in May 2024, Dealer Auction’s EV Performance Review (EVPR) is a monthly feature that tracks the performance and trends of EV and Hybrid vehicles on the UK’s leading digital remarketing platform.
