Thinking of buying a used electric car in Hungary? Here’s why it’s worth waiting and what to watch out for

The share of electric cars in Hungary’s used car market remains relatively small for now, but change is clearly on the horizon. According to a forecast by Das WeltAuto, the first real wave of used electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to appear between 2026 and 2027, as large numbers of fleet cars reach the second-hand market. This turning point could mark the beginning of a new era for the Hungarian automotive sector. Below, we explain what’s worth paying attention to (and why) if you’re planning to buy a used electric car.

Steady growth and new players on the market

According to Das WeltAuto‘s statement sent to Hungarian News Agency MTI, the Hungarian used car market continues to grow dynamically, with the expansion of electric and Chinese brands expected to reshape the entire landscape. According to Datahouse data, Tesla currently leads the domestic used EV market with 2,655 transactions, giving it a 0.38% market share.

Chinese brands are also becoming more active: MG, BYD, Omoda, and NIO have already sold 1,155 vehicles combined, representing 0.17% of the market. While that may still seem modest, their growth trend is unmistakable, especially for MG and the increasingly popular BYD.

In the first nine months of 2025, nearly 700,000 ownership transfers were registered in Hungary’s used car market: a 2.8% increase compared to the same period last year. The three most popular brands remain Opel, Volkswagen, and Suzuki, with demand strongest for compact (C-segment) and small (B-segment) models.

Buyers are more conscious than ever

According to Péter Tóth, Sales Director at Das WeltAuto, today’s buyers are far more cautious than they were a few years ago:

“Cars with verified service histories are sold much faster, even in uncertain market conditions. Trust and transparent maintenance records are now decisive factors,” he emphasised.