UAE’s used electric vehicle market accelerates in 2025 with 41% listing surge and expanding infrastructure

Dubai’s used electric vehicle (EV) market really took a big step forward in 2025, according to dubizzle’s Annual Pre-Owned Electric Car Market Report for that year. The report highlights a noticeable 41% increase in used EV listings compared to the year before, which industry watchers say reflects both a rise in supply and a growing interest from buyers.

The surge in listings lines up with strong registration numbers in the first half of 2025 and a boost in charging stations across the Emirates. Dubai alone registered more than 40,600 EVs during that time, while Abu Dhabi saw a 60% jump in its charging activity. The report notes Dubai now has over 1,270 charging stations, Abu Dhabi added around 1,000 chargers, and Sharjah rolled out 100 ultra-fast chargers. Dubizzle, which helps users find verified listings and offers inspections along with integrated financing options, frames these developments as tools that help shoppers navigate the maturing EV market more easily.

“The UAE’s car scene in 2025 feels more thoughtful than ever,” Sherif Magdy, Sales Director at Dubizzle Cars, explained. “Now, buyers seem to be doing their homework and making choices that truly fit their needs, whether it’s a trusty daily driver, an SUV packed with tech, or an electric model. From what we’ve seen, rather than one specific trend taking over, there’s a wide spread of demand across different segments. That’s a sign of more personal and practical decision-making. Used cars are still very popular, mainly because new vehicles stay quite pricey. SUVs continue to be favored, features like tech are becoming more important in decision making, and electric cars are gaining ground as charging infrastructure gets better. Basically, at dubizzle, our goal is to make everything straightforward and smooth so buyers and sellers can move ahead confidently.”

These findings actually match broader coverage too. Khaleej Times, for example, reported that the 41% rise in used EV listings was in line with the infrastructure improvements and the unified EV charging tariffs that support policies. Gulf News pointed out that the UAE leads the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in EV adoption, citing that around 24,000 battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were sold in 2024, with adoption rates doubling from 2% to 4% in just one year. Rest of World adds that UAE’s long-term goal is for EVs to make up half of all vehicles by 2050, and mentions that over 147,000 electric and hybrid vehicles are already on the roads.

When it comes to what’s popular in the used segment, Tesla dominates as the top choice, with the Model 3 being the most popular sedan. BYD has strengthened its presence mainly through the Han model, while German brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz continue to perform well. Other brands that are gaining traction include Porsche, Xiaomi, Zeekr, Avatr, and Audi.

Looking at the prices, the market shows some interesting affordability patterns. Dubizzle lists a 2021 Model 3 starting at around AED 94,761, while a 2025 model can go up to AED 164,475. For SUVs, the Model Y ranges from AED 93,615 (for 2021 models) to AED 186,112 for 2025 versions. The Porsche Taycan and other premium models stay at the higher end, which points to a market split: you have more affordable, long-range EVs for the mass market alongside high-end performance options.

Government incentives and lower vehicle ownership costs are also helping push EV adoption forward. Carz-UAE emphasizes measures like free charging, discounted registration, and free parking. Meanwhile, Nexdigm’s research highlights ongoing policy support and a big expansion in public charging stations, which industry insiders say helps with range anxiety and makes buying used EVs more appealing.

That said, it’s not all smooth sailing. Dubizzle notes that buyers are becoming pickier, they’re focusing on range, fast charging, and in-car tech features. The report points out a clear shift toward long-range models and increased trust in Chinese EV manufacturers. Industry experts suggest this is due to improvements in vehicle quality, support from local dealers, and aggressive pricing that makes EV ownership more doable for many.

There are, of course, operational challenges. Dubai’s public charging points have grown fast, but outlets aren’t evenly spread out, especially between urban and suburban areas. Planners and operators still grapple with ensuring plenty of chargers during busy times, deploying enough ultra-fast stations for longer trips, and creating tariffs that encourage charging during off-peak hours.

The growth in used EV supply is also changing how financing and insurance work. Dubizzle mentions that their integrated services assist in closing deals, something that aligns with dealers noticing that lenders are becoming more familiar with EV residual values. However, market analysts warn that residual-value volatility might persist with early EV models, especially as battery degradation and second-market demand evolve.

Looking ahead, the UAE’s EV market seems set for even more growth. Government targets, utility benchmarks, and private investments in charging infrastructure all point toward a landscape where EVs become more mainstream. Gulf News and Rest of World both see the UAE as a fast-growing EV hub globally, and dubizzle’s data hints that the pre-owned segment will serve as a significant channel to boost consumer adoption overall.

For those involved or interested, whether buyers or industry players, the key questions are about how quickly charging networks, tariffs, and vehicle supply will keep up as the market expands. The overall message from dubizzle is that even though the market is still maturing, it’s becoming more confident, offering a broader selection of models, supportive policies, and a clearer path toward widespread EV ownership.

Source: Noah Wire Services