Used electric vehicle sales more than doubled in March 2026, coinciding directly with the latest Middle East conflict and resulting surge in fuel prices. That’s the latest data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), which reports that 7557 used EVs were sold in Australia in March, which was a massive 137.9 per cent increase compared with just one month before in February.

At the same time, used electric vehicle supply across the country fell dramatically by 38 per cent, leaving the market with just 28.6 days of supply, or well below the typical 60-90 day range. According to the AADA, that signals a clear shift towards a seller’s market.

“Rising fuel prices are clearly influencing consumer behaviour, with more Australians turning to used EVs as a practical and cost-effective alternative,” said AADA CEO James Voortman. “Dealers have consistently demonstrated their ability to adapt to changing market conditions, and the growing presence of EVs being offered by dealers in the used market is another example of that evolution in action,” said Mr Voortman.

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According to the AADA, pricing for used EVs has also begun to stabilise compared with just a few months ago, suggesting that the recent lift in demand is starting to flow through to pricing. The sustainability of this surge will depend on how long fuel prices remain elevated, but the March data points to a clear shift in buyer behaviour toward lower running-cost vehicles.

The sentiments about used electric vehicle popularity have been echoed by used car auctioneer Pickles, which is experiencing “intense” demand for near new damaged electric vehicles, with some repairable EVs selling at prices not far off new car levels. According to Pickles, that proves that EVs are becoming more attractive to those looking for lower cost ways into cheaper car ownership.

Nick Johnson, General Manager at Pickles Salvage, said: “We are seeing strong demand for repairable EVs, particularly where buyers can see a clear pathway to putting the vehicle back on the road. For many buyers, it is a lower-cost entry point into EV ownership and an opportunity to access the fuel and maintenance benefits that continue to drive broader market interest.”

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A late-March run of more than 30 near-new BYD vehicles listed through Pickles Adelaide provided a strong example. The vehicles, which had suffered external damage following a concrete spray incident, reportedly attracted substantial buyer attention ahead of sale with over 9000 watch list adds and more than 41,000 listing views recorded across the campaign period. Buyer activity came from six states, reinforcing the depth of demand for repairable EV stock if the price is right.

According to Pickles, the 30 vehicles sold for between 77 and 88 per cent of their equivalent new car prices, with top results reaching $40,600 versus a retail price of around $46,990.

Johnson says the result points to a salvage market that is becoming more diverse and more nuanced: “EV demand is rising, more brands are entering the channel, and repairable stock is attracting strong competition. At the same time, petrol and diesel demand remains resilient, which shows buyers are still making disciplined decisions based on value and repair economics.”