Gas Prices Might Help Offset Glut of Off-Lease EVs

WardsAuto reports that a wave of off-lease electric vehicles is expected to reshape the used-car market over the next several years. Cox Automotive estimates lease maturities will climb from 2.4 million in 2025 to 3 million in 2026, with EVs accounting for a rapidly growing share of those returns. Used EVs are projected to increase from 4.4% of all lease maturities in 2025 to 9.9% in 2026, with that share continuing to rise through 2028. While the influx of inventory could pressure used EV prices, higher gasoline prices may stimulate demand and help balance the market by making electric vehicles more attractive to cost-conscious consumers.

For automotive marketers, this signals a growing opportunity to reach value-driven shoppers who may have previously been priced out of the EV market. Dealers, lenders, insurance providers, charging companies and automotive service businesses can position affordable used EVs as a practical alternative as inventory expands and operating costs become a bigger consideration.