Dealers in the UK are calling for government support to stimulate the used electric vehicle (EV) market, with grants or loans being the primary request, according to the latest Startline Used Car Tracker findings.

The Startline Used Car Tracker, compiled monthly by APD Global Research for Startline Motor Finance, has revealed that dealers are prioritising measures to enhance the viability of EVs.

Of the 321 consumers and 62 dealers surveyed in the study, 45% supported a significant increase in on-street charging points.

Additionally, 42% of respondents are in favour of implementing tariffs or other measures on Chinese EVs to protect the domestic car market.

The same percentage of dealers expressed the need for more training options to address the shortage of skilled workers in the industry.

A government-approved and administered used battery EV health check is desired by over a third (35%) of dealers while 31% seek improvements in the economy to boost consumer confidence and 23% advocate for lower business rates.

Startline Motor Finance CEO Paul Burgess stated: “The list of measures that dealers say they would like the new Labour government to deliver in our research are dominated by the issue of electrification, which is an indication of the deep concern they are feeling.”

He emphasised the dealers’ belief that the EV market requires subsidies to encourage consumer adoption of electric vehicles.

Burgess further noted the discrepancy between dealers and consumers regarding the importance of a used EV battery health check. “We’ve asked this question of consumers this month and almost nine out of ten say having a detailed picture of a used EV’s battery health would be an important part of any purchase.”

In contrast, 35% of dealers were found to favour government-backed battery health checks.

The need for skilled personnel in the motor industry was also highlighted by Burgess: “It’s also noteworthy that training for the motor industry is so high up the list. Getting hold of people with the right skills remains a very real issue for dealers, and they would clearly like to see the new government help solve this problem.”