Europe’s Used EV Market Surges as Iran War Fuels Petrol Price Hikes
Soaring petrol prices, triggered by the ongoing conflict in Iran and its disruption of vital oil shipping routes, are driving a surge in demand for used electric vehicles (EVs) across Europe. Consumers are increasingly turning to the used EV market as a cost-effective alternative to traditional combustion engine vehicles, with several European countries reporting significant increases in EV sales and inquiries.
Iran War Disrupts Oil Supply, Driving Up Petrol Prices
The war in Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, has disrupted a key shipping route responsible for approximately 20% of global oil supplies . This disruption has led to a substantial increase in petrol prices throughout the European Union. Between February 23 and March 16, 2026, the average cost of petrol rose by 12% to €1.84 per litre, according to European Commission data .
Used EV Sales Outpace Diesel in Key Markets
Several online car platforms have reported a significant uptick in used EV sales. Terje Dahlgren, an analyst at Finn.no, Norway’s largest used-car marketplace, noted that EVs have recently surpassed diesel models as the site’s best-selling fuel type .
French online used-car retailer Aramisauto experienced a near doubling of its EV sales share, increasing from 6.5% in the week starting February 16 to 12.7% in the week starting March 9 . CEO Romain Boscher highlighted a similar trend in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent energy price increases . Boscher stated that consumer interest and order volume increase significantly when petrol prices exceed €2 per litre .
Shifting Consumer Preferences Across Europe
The trend extends beyond Norway and France. Amsterdam-based Olx reported a sharp increase in EV inquiries across its marketplaces in France (50%), Romania (40%), Portugal (54%), and Poland (39%), with week-over-week growth accelerating .
In Germany, mobile.de, the country’s largest online car market, reported that the share of EV searches on its website tripled from the start of March, rising from 12% to 36%, with a 66% increase in inquiries for used EVs compared to February .
Similar patterns are emerging in Sweden and Denmark, with platforms like Blocket and Bilbasen reporting increased searches for EVs driven by higher petrol prices .
Why Used EVs are Gaining Popularity
Used EVs are proving particularly attractive due to their affordability – up to 40% cheaper than modern models – and immediate availability, unlike new cars which often face lengthy delivery times . The increasing availability of battery-health certificates is too addressing buyer concerns about the longevity of used EV batteries .
Industry analysts anticipate this trend will continue as the market fully absorbs the impact of the current geopolitical situation . EV manufacturers are also adapting their marketing strategies, emphasizing the cost savings associated with electric driving in response to rising petrol prices .