Most scrapped EVs in the UK named as many are ditched within 2 years

The UK's electric vehicle (EV) market is expanding rapidly, but the latest data shows that some models are being scrapped much earlier than many might expect.

As reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) in August, one in 10 used car transactions in Q2 of 2025 — the months of April, May and June — were battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with 68,721 sold.

Experts at Zuto car finance revealed a 21 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of EVs they are providing finance for. This is clear evidence of the rapidly growing demand and ever-accelerating electric revolution.

READ MORE: The world's least cool cars revealed - including Tesla, Kia and Subaru

READ MORE: Horror at M6 services as woman's life changed forever in 'catastrophic' incident

To better understand how reliable EVs have been so far, Zuto submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVLA, tracking scrappage data between January 2023 and June 2025. The FOI revealed that as more electric cars joined Britain's roads, the number being scrapped has also increased exponentially.

In 2023, 1.2 in every 1,000 EVs were scrapped, rising slightly to 1.4 in every 1,000 across 2024. Though these figures sound small, this represented a 17 per cent yearly increase. With 1,005 EVs already scrapped in the first half of 2025, the total is likely to reach 2,100 by the end of this year.

Approximately 2.3 million cars were scrapped between January 2023 and June 2025. Of those, 3,250 were EVs, accounting for just 0.14 per cent. That's despite EVs now taking up 4.8 per cent of UK market share. In short, EVs are far less likely to be scrapped than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The FOI also revealed which models have been scrapped the most during this period.

Top scrapped EV makes

• Tesla: 504
• Nissan: 410
• MG: 215
• BMW: 207
• Renault: 196
• Hyundai: 182
• Vauxhall: 179
• Volkswagen: 179
• Jaguar: 163
• Kia: 152

Want big news with big heart? Get the top headlines sent straight to your inbox with our Daily Newsletter

Top scrapped EV models

• Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD: 123
• Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD: 88
• Nissan Leaf Tekna: 76
• Nissan Leaf Acenta: 73
• Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +: 69
• Nissan Leaf N-Connecta: 69
• BMW I3: 59
• Hyundai Kona Premium EV: 52
• MG ZS Exclusive EV: 49
• Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD: 48

The Tesla Model Y is currently Britain's most popular EV, so its appearance in the top 10 is to be expected. Interestingly, the highest single-month spike for Tesla scrappage came in March 2025, when 30 were written off — a month that coincided with widely reported cases of vandalism against the brand.

Looking at scrappage age, a striking contrast emerges. Average scrappage age for all cars is 17 years, but EVs are being scrapped much earlier — after just four years old on average. Shockingly, nearly one in five of those scrapped were less than two years old.

EV models scrapped most before reaching two years old

• Vauxhall Mokka Ultimate EV x17: 17
• Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD: 16
• Tesla Model Y RWD: 13
• Nissan Leaf N-Connecta: 13
• Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD: 12
• BMW I4 EDrive 40 M Sport: 12
• Fiat 500E Icon: 11
• MG 4 Trophy: 11
• MG 4 SE: 11
• Cupra Born V2 EV: 11

Lucy Sherlikerfrom Zuto said: "As the used car market continues to grow and return to a pre-pandemic state, EVs are set to continue increasing market share. As the number of used electric vehicles continues to climb, the increased affordability will help many drivers replace their petrol and diesel vehicles with electric replacements.

"That said, costs to outright buy continue to be high in the midst of the continued cost-of-living crisis, making electric car finance an accessible option for many. Many car finance providers, such as Zuto, can also bring an added peace of mind by checking the car's background and state ahead of purchase, ideal for second hand EVs."

So with the ban on purchasing new ICE vehicles in 2030 getting ever closer, it might be a good idea to check out the data and choose an EV that won't wind up being scrapped in the next couple of years.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk for a chance to be featured.