My first electric car was used. My next one probably will be too.

I’ve been driving electric since 2012, when choosing an EV, never mind a used one, still felt pretty pioneering. My first was a second-hand Nissan LEAF, and it gave me something far more valuable than a theoretical understanding of electric cars: it showed me that living with one actually worked in everyday family life.

Fast forward to 2026 and the used EV market is a very different place. There’s more choice, better range, improving battery confidence and, importantly, used EVs can open up electric driving to people for whom buying new simply isn’t realistic. After all, around two thirds of people in the UK buy pre-loved cars.

This matters for the transition to cleaner transport, and it matters for women.

Through Global Women in EV Day®, we talk a lot about the idea that visibility creates opportunity. Usually that means making the women working across EV, energy and clean transport more visible – including through our Speaker Directory. There’s a consumer parallel too. People need to see people like them choosing, driving and enjoying electric cars.

We need more real stories about what EV ownership actually looks like – not just from enthusiasts and early adopters, but from women, families, commuters and people buying their first pre-loved EV.

I’m now several EVs and almost 15 years further down the road. And when it comes time to replace my current car, a six-year old Kia e-Niro that stubbornly retains its real-world range of 280 miles after all this time, I’ll be looking at the used market again.

Perhaps that’s the strongest endorsement I can give it.

Gill Groves (Nowell)

Hosted by Gill

Global Women in EV Day Founder