The Dutch started buying used electric cars because the fuel crisis increased gasoline prices

Sales of used electric cars in the Netherlands surged in March after a spike in fuel prices triggered by the war in the Middle East. According to the industry, consumers are increasingly choosing electric cars, although until recently the demand was hampered by the decline in the value of such vehicles.

Sales of used electric cars in the Netherlands increased by 48% in March. compared to February, to nearly 14 thousand vehicles – reported the Bovag industry association, pointing out that the impetus for the increase was rising fuel prices related to the war in the Middle East.

According to data quoted by the Dutch media, 9.3 thousand were sold in February. used electric cars. The entire used car market remained essentially stable during this time – a total of over 183,000 were sold in March. cars, but the share of electric cars is still relatively small – 7.5%. all cars in the country.

However, industry representatives estimate that the calculation on the part of consumers has changed. Electric cars have long been cheaper to run than petrol cars, but high purchase prices effectively discouraged many buyers. In recent weeks, the cost advantage of electric cars has increased significantly along with price increases at gas stations.

The end of fear of loss of value?

Bovag also pays attention to the growing supply. More and more leased cars are entering the secondary market, which increases the choice and lowers the entry barrier for private buyers. According to the organization, the development of the market for used electric cars is crucial for the popularization of electromobility beyond corporate customers.

Just a year ago, the share of electric cars in the secondary market was decreasing, and the sector was struggling, among others, with concerns about the rapid decline in the value of vehicles. However, some commentators attribute the current rebound primarily to the fuel shock and not to a permanent change in the trend.

At the same time, the share of new combustion cars in the Netherlands has been decreasing for a long time. Data quoted by the media show that the share of new petrol cars has fallen from 75 to 13 percent over seven years. market. Currently, new hybrid cars dominate, closely followed by fully electric cars.

Experts emphasize that further market development will depend not only on fuel prices, but also on the stability of tax policy and the pace of expansion of charging infrastructure. However, the industry estimates that the current increase in interest in used electric cars shows that more expensive fuels can accelerate the change in drivers' preferences despite previous market problems.

Patryk Kulpok (PAP)

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