Market context Growth in used EV transactions should not be confused with a uniformly healthy new-vehicle market. A buyer choosing a pre-owned electric car often responds to a different combination of needs: accessible monthly payments, familiar driving range, and the confidence that maintenance will be manageable. This makes the used category an important separate market rather than simply a by-product of new-car registrations. What the latest data tells us The June 2026 Cox Automotive estimate of 35,253 used EV sales, up 20.3% year over year, is evidence of meaningful demand even when monthly volume fluctuates. A fall from the previous month can coexist with annual growth. Dealers should assess rolling trends, inventory age, and model-level pricing rather than extrapolate one observation into a long-term forecast. What buyers and sellers should watch Supply is also changing. Vehicles returning from leases and trade-ins are adding more ages, trims and brands to the selection. This creates opportunities for budget-conscious consumers, yet differences in accident history, charging equipment, software, and battery warranty can make two outwardly identical vehicles worth very different amounts. Implications for international trade An exporter needs a vehicle-specific dossier: VIN, manufacture year, first registration, mileage, battery assessment, title status and photos of the actual unit. Demand in the United States does not itself imply Chinese vehicles can legally or profitably enter that market. Before purchase, confirm destination certification, import rules, tariffs and local service support. Practical checklist for importers and dealers Confirm the exact model, model year, VIN, mileage and accident history. Document battery health, charging standards, onboard systems and warranty limitations. Check destination compliance, import duties, taxation and availability of parts. Price against verified local comparable units and calculate full landed cost. Key takeaway For international vehicle traders, rising secondary-market volume makes condition grading, battery documentation, and transparent vehicle history increasingly important. The figures describe the U.S. domestic market, not demand for imports from China.