From Plate Changes to EV Incentives: The Biggest UK Car Market Shifts in 2025

The UK car market is changing faster than ever — from the rollout of new number plates to the rise of electric vehicles and evolving buyer incentives. For car owners, this means timing your sale is more important than ever if you want to maximise value. At PCBS, we keep a close eye on these shifts so you don’t have to. Here’s what 2025 is bringing to the table — and what it means for you.

1. September ‘75’ Plate Change: Time to Sell Before the Drop

Every March and September, new number plates hit UK roads — and with them, a shift in car values. September 2025 introduces the ‘75’ plate, which will make older cars instantly appear dated.

• What this means for you: If you’re driving a ‘72’ or ‘23’ plate, your car could lose thousands overnight once the new plates arrive. Acting now ensures you capture peak resale value.

👉 PCBS helps you secure the best offers before the market adjusts.

2. Electric Vehicle (EV) Incentives Reshaping Demand

The UK government continues to push EV adoption, with tax breaks, salary sacrifice schemes, and charging infrastructure investments making EVs more attractive.

• Buyers are increasingly turning to EVs, which means petrol and diesel resale demand is gradually softening.

• EVs themselves are still volatile in value — tech upgrades and charging range improvements mean today’s EV may be outdated in just a few years.

Key takeaway: Whether you own a petrol car or an EV, market timing is critical. PCBS tracks these trends daily to help you decide whether it’s smarter to sell now or hold.

3. Shifts in Consumer Buying Behaviour

2025 is showing clear buyer preferences:

• SUVs remain popular for families and urban drivers.

• Compact EVs are in higher demand due to city charging access.

• Luxury brands (Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche) continue to hold strong value, but competition is rising as new EV players enter the market.

If your car falls outside these high-demand categories, you might face a sharper depreciation curve.

4. Used Car Supply Levels Normalising

After years of supply chain shortages, new car production has stabilised. That means more people are upgrading — and the used market is gradually shifting from seller’s market to buyer’s market.

• In 2025, the power is tipping back toward buyers.

• This makes selling sooner rather than later the smarter play if you want a strong return.

5. Finance and Running Costs Driving Faster Sales Decisions

With rising insurance costs, ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) expansions, and higher fuel prices, many owners are rethinking whether to hold onto older cars.

• EV incentives plus running cost savings are accelerating the move away from older petrol/diesel cars.

• Selling before these costs squeeze demand further is a wise move.

What This Means for You

2025 is a pivotal year for car owners:

• Plate changes will cut values quickly.

• EV incentives are shifting demand away from traditional cars.

• Buyer behaviour is evolving faster than ever.

At PCBS, we simplify the process:

• We evaluate your car against current and upcoming market trends.

• We help you sell at the right time for the right price.

• We ensure a stress-free process with trusted buyers and instant offers.

✅ Thinking of selling in 2025? Don’t wait until the market moves against you.
Call us on 0330 822 7081 and let PCBS secure your best deal today.

Reach out today for a free, no-obligation valuation — and take control of your next car move with confidence.