AA Cars, the AA’s used car portal, has seen a big increase in the number of used hybrid and electric vehicles for sale.

The Government scheme set up in 2011 by then transport secretary Philip Hammond, has failed to meet initial predictions so far.

A sum of £400 million was set aside to fund grants of up to £5,000 for anyone purchasing eligible hybrid or electric cars. However the take-up has been slower than expected.  

The AA Cars site currently lists 1,369 hybrid and electric cars with hybrids accounting for most with 1,260 in stock.  Toyota, Lexus and Honda are all represented in the Top Ten.

Make	Model	Number in stock
Toyota	Prius	294
Toyota	Auris	198
Lexus	RX	167
Lexus	CT	164
Toyota	Yaris	109
Lexus	IS	81
Honda	Insight	76
Honda	CR-Z	59
Honda	Jazz	37
Lexus	GS	35
Honda	Civic	10

The date of registration of the majority of used Hybrid cars are from last year.

There are fewer pure electric cars on the used car market with AA Cars listing just over 100 vehicles. The Nissan Leaf is by far the most listed EV.

Make	Model	Number in stock
Nissan	Leaf	70
Renault	Twizy	8
Vauxhall	Ampera	5
Renault	Kangoo	3
Mitsubishi	i-MIEV	2
Smart	ForTwo	2
Ford	Transit Edison	1

The least expensive used Leaf is about £10k compared with £16k for the basic new one.

Commenting, David Bruce, director of AA Cars, says: “We have not yet seen a widespread consumer leap of faith to fully embrace electric cars. Some drivers feel that even with the Government grants, as well as low fuel costs, zero car tax and benefits such as zero London congestion charge, some of these new vehicles are still too pricy.

“The lack of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure can also be a perceived disincentive for those looking to make longer journeys, although most motorway service areas are now so equipped.