Lead time for EV orders is getting longer, data shows

The lead time for orders of new electric vehicles has increased since August, according to new research from Electrifying.com.

Customers looking to place an order in October will have to wait an average of 35 weeks for their new car; a slight increase of 3.1% (from 34 weeks) since the same time in August.

The shortest waiting times are for MG’s new MG4 and MG5 models, with some dealers offering delivery in just four weeks. However, the company’s ZS EV is still facing waiting lists which are longer than a year. 

However, popular models including the Tesla Model Y and the Renault Zoe are enjoying comparatively low waiting times of four to 12 weeks and one to two months respectively.

The cars facing the most dramatic increases include major volume nameplates from Kia and Vauxhall - the Kia Niro EV now has an average wait of nine months for delivery, up from 4.5 months in August, while both the Vauxhall Corsa-e and Mokka-e waiting times have risen from an average of 3.5 months in August to 10 months in October.

Founder and CEO of Electrifying.com Ginny Buckley said: “Despite the fact that over one million cars with a plug have now been sold in the UK the problem of supply chain issues and chip shortages is not going away any time soon.

“Some dealers are telling us that stock cars might be available if you can be flexible with your tech, trim and colour, but bargains are a thing of the past, with many cars now being sold for above their list price.

“Despite the waiting times for many popular family cars, including the Kia Niro EV, being unreasonably high drivers may be able to get behind the wheel before Christmas if they act quickly on certain MG models or even the popular Tesla Model Y.”

At the more luxurious end of the market, consumers could be waiting for up to 18 months for a Porsche Taycan.

Buyers reluctant to wait more than seven months for a BMW i4 might want to consider an iX3 instead, which has an eight-week delivery time.

Meanwhile, the waiting time for a Nissan Leaf has extended from five months in August to nine months now. However, the company’s new Ariya model - its EV flagship - has a four month wait.

Manufacturers have faced a surge in demand together with a global shortage of semiconductors and key components causing long delays for deliveries, with some manufacturers prioritising the production of premium cars over more affordable models due to the attractive profitability which they need as they transform their product ranges to pure electric powertrains.

Many brands are launching new EVs, including Polestar and Mercedes-Benz.

Demand is likely to increase as ultra low emissions zones become more extensive in the UK's major cities, to limit the use of petrol and diesel cars.