Croatian shoppers typing queries for "polovni automobili srbija" — literally "used cars in Serbia" — are encountering a market where demand for second‑hand electric vehicles is rising fast. Data compiled by market researcher carVertical show that history‑check requests for used EVs climbed 187% from 2024 to 2025 and then another 9.1% from 2025 to 2026, a trend reflected in multiple Serbian news outlets and listings.

What the numbers show

carVertical’s analysis also finds that fully electric cars represented 2.7% of newly registered vehicles in Serbia in the first half of 2026, up from 0.8% in the same period the year before — well below the EU average but indicating rapid relative growth. Serbian media reporting on the carVertical data highlight that more buyers are using history checks as a first filter before cross‑border purchases.

Online classifieds and dealer platforms confirm greater availability: Serbian portals list a steady stream of used electric hatchbacks and compact EVs with November 2026 posting dates, showing retail supply that would be visible to Croatian searchers exploring purchases across the border.

Why buyers still hesitate

Despite rising interest, sellers and market surveys point to battery condition as the principal obstacle. In a pan‑European dealer survey cited by local press, 67.2% of sellers said concerns about battery longevity and repair costs deter buyers; 56% flagged doubts over real‑world range, and 79.6% of dealers reported they lack battery‑testing equipment — a gap that keeps many would‑be cross‑border buyers cautious.

What this means for the market

For Croatians searching for used cars in Serbia, the short answer is: there are more electric options than a year ago, but transparency and diagnostics remain inconsistent. Increased history‑check activity signals smarter, more cautious buyers; but until routine battery testing and clearer warranty or refurbishment standards become widespread, cross‑border buyers face a trade‑off between lower prices and higher technical risk.

Dealers in Serbia looking to attract buyers from Croatia and other neighbouring markets can capitalise on the trend by offering certified battery reports, visible service history and independent inspections at point of sale. Platforms that aggregate verified listings and integrate battery‑health data will likely gain trust and market share as used EV stock grows.

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Sources: carVertical, Ziza, 24sedam, Euronews Serbia, MojAuto