The electric vs petrol car discussion comes up if you own both, but do not know which to sell first and when. The rising fuel prices and growing interest in cleaner transport are motivating you to make the best decision. The guide explains how to choose the right vehicle for a maximum return.
What UK Buyers want: EV vs Petrol
The electric vs petrol car debate often starts with demand. More drivers now choose electric cars for cheaper running costs and cleaner emissions. In contrast, petrol cars still appeal to those who want low upfront prices. If you know your audience, you can choose which car will sell faster.
Electric cars sell better in cities. However, petrol vehicles perform well in rural areas. Unfortunately, there are fewer charging points. If your area lacks infrastructure, petrol might have the edge. Therefore, think about your local buyer base before listing a vehicle. You can match the EV vs ICE vehicle demand to get better offers.
Running Costs Influence Value
Electric vs petrol car conversation includes running costs. Electric cars are cheaper to maintain. In other words, there are no oil changes or spark plugs. Buyers know they are willing to pay more. Petrol vehicles have higher fuel and service costs. As a result, they are less appealing to buyers for long-term use.
UK drivers increasingly factor in lifetime running costs. It gives electric vehicles an edge over petrol cars for long-term savings. Buyers want to know how much they will spend after purchase. You can use the car registration number to discover its value here.
Battery Health vs Engine Condition
One tricky bit of the electric vs petrol car choice is checking what buyers care about. For electric cars, it’s battery health. However, they prefer the engine condition for petrol cars. Buyers want proof that the core parts still work well. Therefore, a strong battery or engine can boost the resale price quickly.
Before selling, get a battery test to assess the electric car resale value. Furthermore, provide MOT results in addition to engine service history. Keeping receipts for repairs also builds trust. Whether electric or petrol, showing your vehicle’s health makes a big difference. In other words, it is how much buyers are willing to offer.
How age changes electric and petrol resale prices
The electric vs petrol car value difference can change with age. Petrol cars lose value slowly in the early years. However, older electric cars sometimes lose value faster. However, recent EVs with long ranges now hold their value much better. As a result, they are better than older electric models.
Petrol car depreciation rate changes with new models. However, a used EV might seem outdated if it has a short range or slow charging. When choosing what to sell, consider how quickly your vehicle’s value is dropping. You might earn more if you sell the older one first.
Location Impacts Resale
When it comes to electric vs petrol car resale, location plays a big role. Resale values shift by location. Therefore, electric vehicles will sell faster in Clean Air Zones like London because of ULEZ zones. However, petrol cars might struggle in places due to rising charges and local restrictions.
In smaller towns or rural areas, petrol cars often sell faster. Buyers worry about the lack of charging stations. Therefore, think about where you live and where your buyers are. Your location can make a big difference in how much someone will offer you.
Government Incentives
There’s a shift in the electric vs petrol car market thanks to government schemes. They have ended grants for new EVs. However, used electric cars still benefit from zero road tax and cheaper zone fees. As a result, the savings help attract buyers willing to pay more. The car’s condition will always reflect the price.
UK tax perks and low-emission zones make used electric cars more appealing for budget-conscious buyers who want to save more than fuel. Always include paperwork like tax class and previous incentives. It will help buyers feel more confident during the decision.
Insurance and Ownership Costs
With electric vs petrol car ownership, insurance costs can surprise sellers. Some EVs are now cheaper to insure due to fewer accidents. As a result, they have improved the resale appeal. Petrol cars can still win in overall cost if parts are cheaper or the vehicle is. However, they must have a strong safety record.
Highlight past insurance costs in your ad. If your car has had low premiums, buyers may see extra value. Also mention fuel costs, repairs, and tax. Many people calculate total costs before buying. Lower insurance premiums for some EVs now make them more competitive. It will influence the resale value in the UK car market.
Environmental Appeal
A big part of the electric vs petrol car decision is environmental impact. Electric cars appeal to buyers who care about emissions in urban settings. Environmentally conscious buyers often favour electric cars because of the zero-emission status, making EVs a smart resale choice in eco-friendly zones.
Petrol cars aren’t always ruled out. Low-emission petrol models still interest rural or coastal buyers. However, the car should have passed emissions tests, so mention that in your listing. Show that your petrol car is still clean and responsible. As a result, it will boost your resale price with practical buyers.
Planning your next sale: Petrol vs electric motor
Lastly, thinking ahead helps with the electric vs petrol car choice. Petrol cars may face tighter restrictions soon. Selling now could mean higher resale value while demand still exists. In contrast, the best time to sell an EV is when more people seek cleaner transport. Future sales become profitable for you.
If your petrol car is older and policies may affect it soon, now’s the time to let it go. Meanwhile, newer electric cars are improving in value. Selling your petrol car early could maximise value before stricter low-emission rules reduce demand in major UK cities.
Electric vs petrol car: The winner
Selling the right car at the right time makes all the difference. If you sell a petrol car first, keep the EV for rising demand. Furthermore, consider the location, age, and buyer preferences. As a result, you will know if an electric or petrol car is worth more. Ultimately, electric car resale value is rising in areas prioritising low emissions and clean transport incentives. Email us for help.