SECOND-hand battery electric cars are flying off Britain's garage forecourts at an unprecedented rate, according to latest industry figures.

A record 53,423 used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) found new owners between July and September - a massive 57 per cent jump, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

That represents the largest share of the used car market so far achieved by used BEVs at 2.7 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in the same period last year. Sales of plug-in hybrids and hybrids also rose, up 29.0 per cent and 35.8 per cent respectively.

The trend is confirmed by Auto Trader's Ian Plummer, who revealed: "On our platform demand has rocketed this year, especially among the ‘middle aged' electric cars which on average are the same price, if not less than their petrol or diesel counterparts.

"They're currently flying off forecourts 10 days faster than the rest of the used car market, which highlights just how vital a role affordable prices will play in the UK's transition to electric."

While new car sales to private buyers have slumped by almost ten per cent so far this year, drivers are snapping up pre-owned bargains and the overall used car market recorded its seventh consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth, increasing by 4.3 per cent between July and September.

In spite of the increase in used EV sales, cars powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) remain the most popular choice, accounting for 91.7 per cent of the market, although sales of diesel-engined models dropped by 3.9 per cent.

Superminis retained their long-standing popularity, with sales increasing by five per cent. The Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa were most in demand ahead of the Volkswagen Golf and these three accounted for more than three quarters of all used cars changing hands.

While welcoming the growth in used car sales, the SMMT's chief executive, Mike Hawes, cautioned: "Maintaining this depends on a healthy new car market, particularly for EVs.

"Giving consumers the confidence to switch from their familiar petrol or diesel vehicles requires confidence and incentives otherwise many would-be new car buyers will sit on their hands, leading to a diminishing market that will inevitably limit used car availability and affordability.

"This will be to the cost of motorists, the economy and the environment - making a review of support for the transition and the regulation intended to deliver it, an urgent priority."