By Ramon Castro
Buyers who were waiting for a new drop in commodity prices electric cars used ones might be in for a surprise. In the United States, this segment began to show signs of strengthening and values no longer follow the adjustment trend that predominated for a good part of recent months.
Read also: The new proposal that complicates Chinese cars in the US.
The most recent data shows that used electric vehicles are increasing in price at a faster rate than models powered by combustion engines.
You can glimpse: Firm: Akio Toyoda does not change his position on electric cars
While EVs register increases of close to 12% in the wholesale market, gasoline vehicles advance around 3% in the same period.
Fuel plays a role again
One of the reasons that helps to understand this phenomenon is the increase in gasoline prices. With costs that remain approximately 38% above the levels observed a year agomany drivers are evaluating alternatives that allow them to reduce daily expenses.
In this scenario, used electric vehicles appear as an attractive option for those who make routine trips, such as commuting to work, school trips or daily errands. Operating savings become an increasingly important argument when choosing a vehicle.
The most sought after models
The demand is also reflected in the auctions where dealers participate. Among the models that arouse the greatest interest are the Tesla Mannequin 3, Tesla Mannequin Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Stride and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Dealers are willing to pay more for these units to bolster their inventories. When that happens, normally the increase ends up being transferred to the prices that the final consumer finds in the sales lots.
Fewer opportunities to find bargains
For those looking to buy a used electric car, the immediate consequence is a lower availability of especially attractive offers. Models with good autonomy, established reputations and high turnover are the ones that are feeling this upward pressure the most.
Still, used EVs still represent a more affordable alternative to many new vehicles. For many households, they continue to be a reasonable gateway to electric mobility.
A possible change on the horizon
The outlook, however, could change in the coming months. A significant number of electric vehicles are expected to end their leasing contracts and return to the market.
If this flow of units increases significantly, the supply could grow rapidly and generate greater competition between sellers. In that case, prices would have room to stabilize or even decline.
Continue reading:
Honda celebrates half a century of the Accord with huge numbers in the US
GM simplifies public charging of electric cars in the US
A la Toy Myth 5: these are the Porsches inspired by Woody, Buzz and Jessie
