EV lead times drop to just one week as manufacturers increase supply

Lead times for new electric vehicles (EVs) have fallen dramatically with the majority of new electric vehicles now available within 12 weeks.

The revelation comes from What Car?’s analysis of all 26 electric models currently on sale.

Last year, popular electric models had lead times of more than one year as demand outstripped supply.

Now, a number of manufacturers have vehicles in stock in the UK ready to be delivered.

Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car?, said: “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.”  

Waiting times for the most in-demand electric cars have fallen. The Kia e-Niro, which was named Zero Emission Car of the Year at the 2020 Fleet News Awards, had a waiting list that extended to more than a year. It is now available within 26 weeks.

Newcomers, such as the Peugeot e-208 and new Renault Zoe are also available in one week, depending on spec.

The longest wait found by WhatCar? was for Porsche’s first electric car, the Taycan, which could take a minimum of 36 weeks to arrive in the UK.

Fully-electric models are expected to be in higher demand from the fleet industry this year as the Government introduces its 0% benefit-in-kind tax rate for zero-emission vehicles.

Research has also found that the Coronavirus lockdown has made drivers rethink the type of car they’d like, encouraged by the improvements in air quality since the majority of road traffic as stopped.

Venson found that 45% of motorists are now reassessing their EV options and 19% said their next company car or private purchase would be an EV. A further 26% said they intend to become an EV driver in the next five years.

Waiting time for new EVs: