Rising petrol prices linked to the ongoing war in Iran are driving a surge in used electric vehicle (EV) sales across Europe, according to online car platforms. The increase suggests that consumers are increasingly shifting away from traditional combustion-engine vehicles.
“There is currently an electric car bonanza in the used market,” said Terje Dahlgren, analyst at Norway’s leading used-car marketplace Finn.no, noting that EVs have recently overtaken diesel models as the platform’s top-selling fuel type.
The conflict, which began on February 28, has disrupted key oil shipping routes, contributing to a 12% rise in petrol prices across the EU, reaching 1.84 euros per litre between February 23 and March 16.
French online retailer Aramisauto reported that EV transactions nearly doubled in three weeks, climbing to 12.7% of all used-car sales, while petrol and diesel vehicle sales fell. Similar trends are being observed in France, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Portugal, and Romania.
Used EVs are particularly attractive due to their lower cost—up to 40% cheaper than new models—and immediate availability, offering consumers a practical alternative amid high fuel prices. Analysts predict that sustained petrol price pressure could further accelerate Europe’s transition toward electric mobility.
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