Used electric cars are flying off the shelves: inventory is dwindling and prices are rising.

The French used electric vehicle market is undergoing a transformation. Driven by soaring fuel prices, sales are surging while inventory levels are dropping. Unexpectedly, the prices of some used electric vehicles, particularly small city cars, have skyrocketed!

For a long time, used electric vehicles were primarily known for their significant price discounts. This was advantageous for buyers looking to purchase second-hand cars but less so for those intending to resell theirs. However, in just a few months, the current geopolitical situation and the war in the Middle East have altered this balance of power.

Electric vehicle inventory is dwindling

The rise in fuel prices plays a role in this situation. According to La Centrale’s data, searches for electric vehicles increased by 150% on September 13 compared to February 27, which was used as a reference point before oil prices soared. Moreover, inventory levels have been cut in half over the past year.

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This trend far exceeds online searches. In August 2026, while the overall French used car market declined by 4.8%, electric vehicle transactions rose by 32.1%, with 15,930 ownership transfers. By the second quarter, 72,244 used electric vehicles had already found new owners, a record high.

Affordable models particularly benefit from this enthusiasm. Demand is focused on vehicles priced under 15,000 euros. Small city cars such as the Renault Zoe, Peugeot e-208, Fiat 500e, and Dacia Spring are at the forefront. The Volkswagen ID.3 is also among the popular models.

Are steep discounts a thing of the past?

Naturally, this surge is starting to affect prices. According to the Observatoire La Centrale, the average price of used electric city cars has risen by 9% in a year. This is a significant change after several years during which the rapid drop in new car prices had heavily impacted their residual value.

Another interesting trend: according to data analyzed by CapCar, an used electric vehicle still took eight more days than a comparable gasoline vehicle to find a buyer a year ago. It now sells three days faster. But will this situation persist? With the arrival of the first large-scale leasing programs and corporate fleets, the supply is expected to increase. This will likely ease some of the price rise.