Toyota Prius tops Aston Barclay EV/hybrid desirability index

The Toyota Prius has been ranked as the most desirable used EV/hybrid this month, according to remarketing expert Aston Barclay.

Since Toyota stopped selling the current model in 2022 it has become extremely popular as a used car, particularly in the private hire taxi market.

This month’s desirability index, which ranks all makes and models processed through the auction halls based on web views prior to sale, number of physical and online sale bids, and sale price achieved as a percentage of CAP average, reflects the current market trend where dealers’ confidence is growing to stock sub-£15,000 used hybrids and EVs.

Seven out of the top ten fit this bill with the BMW i3 and MG ZS EV in fifth and sixth, while the Kia eNiro, Hyundai Ioniq, Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf make up the remainder of the top 10.

Just three premium EVs – the Porsche Taycan, Mercedes EQC and Audi E-tron - made the index, which indicates dealers are investing in buying higher value used EVs to meet customer demand, rather than for general stocking purposes.  That said, Aston BArclay said supply is increasing, and the market is moving fast.

“Desirability is a key word in the used market currently as dealers want to fill their forecourt full of used cars with a fast stock turn, particularly now that stocking costs are rising and used prices are softening,” said Nick Thompson, chief customer officer at Aston Barclay.

“It’s good to see more dealers bidding on and buying EVs in response to rising consumer demand. The wholesale market is changing its views on EVs which is a positive sign and one that will continue to improve over time,” he added.