EV Wait Times in Australia: What to Expect When Purchasing a New Electric Vehicle

It’s an exciting new technology, but it also means that manufacturers have had to go back to the drawing board when it comes to supply chains and mass production, which often translates to wait lists for buyers.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at current EV wait times here in Australia to map out just how long buyers can expect to wait before taking delivery of their very own electric vehicle.

What Contributes to EV Wait Times in Australia?

There are several factors that can impact how quickly you’ll be taking delivery of your electric vehicle - these include:

• Macroeconomic forces

• Model Popularity 

• Manufacturing output

• Supply chain, delivery and logistics 

• Port delays 

• Australian market allocations

• Optional extras and factory accessories 

• Colour of the vehicle

What is the Average Wait Time for a New Vehicle in Australia?

According to the latest November dataset, the current wait time for a new vehicle in Australia stands at 69 days.

While this is still substantial, wait times have actually dropped significantly from their most recent high of 160 days in August, 2022, though they remain noticeably higher than pre-pandemic wait times that stood at 32 days in July, 2019.

What is the Average Wait Time for an EV?

In terms of electric vehicles specifically, average wait times here in Australia are significantly shorter than the wider industry average of 69 days and manufacturers scale up the production of their battery-electric offerings.

Some models are ready for a quick delivery, though others might take anywhere from three to six months to get the keys in your hand.

Electric Vehicle Waiting Times by Brand

Below you’ll find some indicative wait times for popular electric vehicle manufacturers here in Australia.

Indicated wait times are a rough estimate and should not be considered an exact timeline for the delivery of your new electric vehicle, moreso a forecast using recent sales data and public statements from the manufacturers themselves.

• BYD: 1-3 weeks 

• GWM: 1-3 weeks

• MG: 1-3 weeks 

• Kia: 2-12 weeks

• Hyundai: 2-4 weeks 

• Tesla: 1-8 weeks 

• Polestar: 2-8 weeks

• Volvo: 2-4 weeks 

• BMW: 8-10 weeks 

• Mercedes-Benz: 3-10 weeks

• Cupra: 3-12 weeks

• Volkswagen: 4-10 weeks 

• Audi: 4-10 weeks

FAQ: How Long is the Wait for a Tesla?

Waitlists for one of Tesla’s electric vehicles span from quick deliveries in the space of a week or so, all the way up to three months for some of its most popular variants. 

For example, the wait for a Tesla Y Performance, Model 3 RWD or the Model 3 Long Range might be anywhere between one to two months, while the wait on the more popular Model Y Long Range might stretch out from two to four months.

FAQ: What is the Wait Time for the MG ZS EV in Australia?

MG says that customers keen on its battery-electric SUV, the ZS EV may be able to take delivery of their vehicle immediately, while others might see wait lists stretch out to between 3-6 weeks, depending on things like the trim level, optional extras and the paint finish.

FAQ: What is the Wait Time for the Kia EV6 in Australia?

Kia’s battery-electric crossover has proved mighty popular with Australian buyers, with the company forecasting wait lists for the EV6 of between 6-12 weeks, depending on the variant.

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