Looking to buy a Tesla in 2023 before some EV incentives start falling away? The good news is wait times are falling and are set to continue to improve as we head in to 2024.
The COVID pandemic in 2020 and 2021 triggered a supply and production crisis across the entire automotive industry, causing long queues and extended waiting times on new cars.
This has particularly hit demand for Tesla EVs, which are even more in demand globally, along with push and pull factors including soaring fuel prices, the introduction of Australian state incentives, and generally more consumer awareness.
*EDITOR’S NOTE: Estimated wait times are accurate as at publication (22 November 2023), but are only rough guides and subject to change.
Tesla Wait Times by Model
The table below summarises the expected wait times for delivery for each Tesla model currently available. Tesla has ceased selling the Tesla Model S and X models since May 2023.
Tesla Model 3 Wait Time
Following the launch of the refreshed 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland update, wait times for the new model 3 are about one to three months.
If you are however open to purchasing demonstration models, you can head directly Tesla Inventory Australia page where there are currently dozens of 2023 Tesla Model 3's available now, and all have less than 50kms driven. For those looking to take delivery of their new Tesla within days rather than weeks, and don;t mind a 2023 model, this may be a good option for you.
▶MORE
2024 Tesla Model 3 price and specs
2024 vs 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD Comparison
Tesla Model Y Wait Time
While the Tesla Model Y is not receiving an update for the 2024 model, expected wait times for Australia's best selling electric car are between one to three months for delivery.
Similar to the Tesla Model 3, demo models with less than 50kms are available from Tesla's existing inventory, where there are currently dozens of 2023 Tesla Model Y's available. Delivery of a Tesla Model Y from existing stock should happen within a few days to a week.
▶MORE
2024 Tesla Model Y price and specs
Tesla Model Y vs Model 3 RWD Comparison
Tesla Model S Wait Time
The Tesla Model S is not currently available for sale as a new model in Australia. Tesla advised customers in May 2023 that "due to recent changes in the vehicle program", the updated Model S and Model X will "not be available in right-hand drive". It was also taken off the Tesla Australia website for ordering.
▶MORE: Tesla Model S vs Tesla Model 3 Comparison
Tesla Model X Wait Time
The Tesla Model X is not currently available for sale as a new model in Australia. Tesla advised customers in May 2023 that "due to recent changes in the vehicle program", the updated Model S and Model X will "not be available in right-hand drive". It was also taken off the Tesla Australia website for ordering.
Why are Tesla Waiting Times Long?
Essentially, the basic economic concept of supply and demand is highly skewed towards the latter across many industries globally.
A combination of the COVID-19 pandemic effects, Russian war on Ukraine, and resurgence in vehicle demand has consequently led to a shortage of essential parts like semiconductor computer chips, reduced battery, parts and vehicle production output due to recent lockdowns in China and worker isolation absences, and shipping delays to Australia are causing long waiting queues for new car buyers.
All new vehicles, regardless of whether it’s petrol, diesel or electric, are facing wait times of anywhere from a month to two years depending on the make and model, level of consistent supply and demand. Wait times for popular Toyota models like the RAV4 Hybrid are upto 18 months at present.
Overall Tesla wait times are reasonably short compared to other in demand models.
About the author
Danny Thai
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data. He is the founder of zecar and is currently the EV Innovation Manager at Endeavour Energy.
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