Waiting times on electric vehicles fall significantly

Waiting times for new electric vehicles are likely be the same as for petrol and diesel models, according to research by What Car?

According to What Car?’s analysis of all 26 electric models currently on sale, the majority of new electric vehicles now available within 12 weeks. Last year, lead times for some electric cars exceeded more than 12 months, making it nigh-on impossible for buyers to commit to purchasing one.

What Car?’s research has also revealed that eight manufacturers have stock of their electric cars in the UK now, meaning buyers will be able to place an order and have their vehicle delivered within two weeks.

This includes the Tesla Model 3, as well as the all-new third-generation Renault Zoe and the all-new Peugeot e-208. However, both the Renault and Peugeot can take up to 12 or 16 weeks to arrive depending on the exact specification chosen.

Last year the Kia e-Niro had a waiting list that extended to more than a year. As a result of increased supply, its lead time has been halved to 26 weeks. The longest wait is on Porsche’s first electric car, the Taycan (36 weeks), followed by the Seat Mii Electric and Skoda Citigo e IV (26 weeks), although the Skoda is currently on hold for orders. 

The increased competition for sales between car makers has also led to significant discounts on electric cars being available. The average discount on a new fully electric vehicle is 3.92% or £1455.

Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car?, said: “Waiting times on a new electric car used to extend as far as 12 months, but with more models entering the market we’re finally starting to see those times fall to match those of petrol and diesel variants.

“As the new car market recovers from the coronavirus crisis, many of the most popular electric vehicles can be delivered as quickly as a petrol or diesel vehicle, which is a real boost for prospective buyers keen to get on with electric motoring.  What’s also encouraging is that some of the newest and most popular EVs can be had with a healthy discount, according to our Target Price research.”