According to the fifth and latest issue of the Pickles quarterly automotive reports, private buyers rather than dealers are driving momentum in the Australian used electric vehicle market.
The report covers the first quarter of 2025 and shows that used EVs are no longer a fringe interest. Demand is strong, battery performance is holding up, and prices have stabilised according to the Pickles report.
Yet it shows most dealers are still buying cautiously, creating a growing gap between trade behaviour and consumer interest.
Over the past 12 months, Pickles’ top ten trade buyers purchased more than 7000 used ICE vehicles – but only 26 used EVs.
By contrast, 60% of used EVs sold through Pickles now go to private buyers; a sign that individual buyers are gaining confidence and moving ahead of the trade.
“Buyers have done their research, and they know what they want. They’re looking for value, battery performance and reliability – and they’re finding it in the used EV market,” says Brendon Green, General Manager, Automotive Solutions.
Pickles’ battery assurance program shows an average battery State of Health of 93% across 400 tested used EVs, including high-mileage vehicles. EVs with over 60,000 kms often score as well as those under 10,000 kms – helping to break down misconceptions about battery life.
“It’s not the mileage, it’s the management. Charging habits and thermal control are far more influential than kilometres travelled when it comes to battery health,” says Green.
At the same time, price volatility – one of the major dealer concerns – is no longer the barrier it once was.
Between January 2023 and June 2024, average used EV prices dropped from $55,000 to $36,000 and have remained within $500 for the past nine months.
Pickles EV price index tells a similar story, dropping 37% in the same period and then only dropping 1% from July 2024 to now.
“There’s a real opportunity here. Dealers who re-engage with used EVs now can position themselves early, while margins are still strong and competition is light,” says Green.
“The number of used EVs sold through Pickles also increased by around 20%, as more buyers seek affordable entry points into electrified driving.”
Why are dealers holding back?
To better understand what’s causing hesitation among dealers, Pickles gathered feedback directly from the trade, revealing a mix of caution and uncertainty.
Some of the recurring thoughts are:
- “I’m nervous about price volatility – it’s moved around a lot in the past two years, and I’ve been caught out before.”
- “My dealer principal has restricted me from buying used EVs at this stage.”
- “Buyers want to know more about these cars, and we’re unsure of battery health before purchase.”
These concerns are understandable, but according to Pickles, the tools and information needed to address them is already here.
“There’s now enough real-world data to build confidence. We’re working to close the information gap so dealers can engage with clarity and lower risk,” says Green.
Snapshot from Q1 2025:
• Private buyers now account for 60% of used EV sales at Pickles
• Used EV prices stabilised at $36,400
• Average battery health across 400 vehicles: 93%
• EV sales volume up 20% nationally through Pickles
• ICE vehicle prices rose 6%, indicating sustained demand
The used EV market is entering a new phase – and Pickles is calling on the trade to get ready.
“We’re past the early adopter phase. Buyers are becoming more sophisticated – and dealers have a chance to meet them there,” Green says.
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