New analysis from consumer website Electrifying.com has found there has been a 13.2 per cent drop in waiting times for new electric car orders.

Customers looking to place an order in January will be waiting an average of 28 weeks for their new car; down from 35 weeks in October.

The industry experts at Electrifying.com believe that waiting times for electric cars have tumbled as drivers pause purchases in the face of higher energy costs and cost of living worries. This decrease in demand has corresponded with a gradual increase in supply as production recovers after the pandemic and other global events.

Ginny Buckley has given her view on the future of the electric car market.

Founder and CEO of Electrifying.com Ginny Buckley said: “The news that waiting times are decreasing by a significant amount will be welcomed by many, however it also signals a change in consumer behaviour driven by the cost-of-living crisis ,

“If the car industry is to ride through this turbulent time, it needs to think about the impact of prioritising the production of SUVs and more premium models.

"Going into the new year, we need to start seeing more affordable cars brought to market to encourage private buyers to make the switch; at the moment there are just three electric cars available which are priced under £30,000 and the lack of affordable models is having a detrimental effect on the market.”

Elon Musk’s Tesla has switched from selling every car it could import to having hundreds of its popular Model 3 and Model Ys in stock for instant delivery, some with discounts of over £7,000.

Other cars with short waiting times include Renault's Zoe and Megane E-Tech models, with some dealers offering delivery in just four weeks.

This change follows a post-pandemic period which saw a huge surge in demand for electric vehicles. Combined with a global shortage of semiconductor chips and key components, Electrifying said there was “a perfect storm” for the industry, forcing carmakers to slow down production of new vehicles and causing long delays for deliveries.

Electrifying.com estimated that around 350,000 new electric cars will be sold in the UK this year.

Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show registrations of new electric cars were on track to reach nearly 250,000 in 2022.

Auto Trader reported that electric models accounted for fewer than a fifth (19 per cent) of new car inquiries sent to retailers through its online marketplace in November, down from 27 per cent in June.

Sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the UK will be banned from 2030.

Cheaper electric cars needed with only three models under £30,000, expert warns