From the affordable Model 3 to the luxury Model X, here are all four Teslas currently available. Image courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
If you’re looking at getting your hands on a brand-new Tesla in 2023, you’re going to have to get in line. With Tesla struggling to keep up with the demand for their EVs, consumers are left wondering when their Tesla will arrive.
Hear it from us: you can expect to wait between one and three months to get your hands on a Tesla, but some models are seeing wait times up to six months!
To provide you with clarity, we’ll go through each Tesla model to see how long you can expect to wait before you’re behind the wheel.
Tesla wait times
The wait times aren’t the same for all Tesla cars; they will vary depending on your choice of model and variant.
Model Y
The Model Y is the best-selling EV on the market, accounting for a third of all EVs sold last year (2022).
The two models of Tesla Model Y available, include the Long Range Model which has a 318-mile capacity, and the Performance Model with a top speed of 155mph.
Due to its greater popularity, the cheaper Long Range variant has a much longer wait time.
Estimated wait time
- Model Y Long Range: 1-3 months
- Model Y Performance: 1-2 months
As Tesla’s most popular EV, the Model Y offers large cargo space, an optional third row of seats, and impressive acceleration. Unfortunately, the Model Y’s Long Range variant comes with a long wait time. Image courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
Model 3
The Model 3 is the only Tesla offered in three different versions, namely the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Long Range, and Performance Models.
The Tesla Model 3 has been a hugely successful range and remains one of the most popular EVs available. Luckily its wait times are relatively short, and if you're willing to pay extra for the Performance model you could receive it within 3 months.
Estimated wait time
- Model 3 RWD: 1-2 months
- Model 3 Long Range: Unavailable (as of January 2023)
- Model 3 Performance: 1–2 months
The Model 3 is not just the most affordable car in Tesla's standard range, it also has the shortest average wait times. Image courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
Model X
The Tesla Model X has two different variants available: the Long Range Variant, and the Plaid.
Unfortunately, the estimated waiting time doesn’t get any better with the Tesla Model X, which has the longest waiting times of any Tesla car.
Estimated wait time
- Model X: 3-6 months
- Model X Plaid: 1-3 months
The Model X is packed with features including its falcon-wing rear doors, but its big size comes with a big wait time. Image courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
Model S
Similar to the Model X, there are two versions of the Tesla Model S available. You’re able to choose from either the base Model S or the Model S Plaid. Both are on the higher end of the Tesla range.
With the Model S, the more you’re willing to spend, the sooner your car will arrive. The pricey Model S Plaid tends to see faster delivery than any other Tesla Model.
Estimated wait time
- Model S: 1-3 months
- Model S Plaid: 1–3 months
If you want to get behind the wheel of your very own Model S, be prepared to wait a while. Image courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
Why are Tesla waiting times so high?
The short answer is increasing demand.
More and more drivers are deciding to switch out their gas cars for EVs. Even with Tesla implementing multiple price increases, demand doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
But why are the increased prices not deterring customers? Well, there are two key factors that continue to drive demand for Tesla’s EVs.
1. To avoid high gas prices
With gas prices being unusually high for an extended period of time, consumers have been searching for more economic and energy-efficient cars. One popular reason for buying an EV is to avoid the the impact of gas price inflation, and for many, a Tesla is their first choice.
2. People want to lower their carbon footprint
Drivers are beginning to have a much larger focus on climate change and their own environmental impact. This is why consumers are making more of an effort to lower their carbon footprint. This is why, with Tesla being an eco-friendly alternative to gas vehicles, demand has continued to increase.
To reduce your carbon footprint even further, you could pair your new Tesla with a new solar energy system. By switching to solar power, not only will you experience electricity savings, but you’ll also drastically reduce your household’s carbon emissions.
Where can I buy a Tesla?
Tesla offers two different methods to purchase an EV. You can either visit Tesla’s official website or a Tesla in-person showroom.
On Tesla’s official website, you’re able to navigate through their design studio and customize your Tesla to meet your requirements. You’re then able to order and purchase your customized Tesla through the website.
With Tesla’s in-person showrooms, you’re able to go and see a range of different models, ask questions and take them for a test drive. However, in the future, CEO Elon Musk does plan on dismantling Tesla’s physical locations and transitioning fully to online sales.
Prices and wait times of all Tesla cars
This is what you can expect to pay for each Tesla model and the assigned wait time, according to Tesla’s website. As you’ll notice there is a big difference between the cheaper standard models and the luxury expensive models. With this wide price range, Tesla’s EV line-up is able to work for a variety of different budgets and needs.
You should know that Tesla changes its prices frequently and that these prices and wait times for a new model may not apply for long.
| Model and range | Starting price | Wait time |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 RWD | $46,990 | 1–2 months |
| Model 3 Long Range | $55,990 | Unavailable |
| Model 3 Performance | $62,990 | 1–2 months |
| Model Y Long Range | $62,990 | 1-3 months |
| Model Y Performance | $67,990 | 1-2 months |
| Model S | $99,990 | 1-3 months |
| Model S Plaid | $135,990 | 1–3 months |
| Model X | $114,990 | 3-6 months |
| Model X Plaid | $138,990 | 1-3 months |
The prices presented above are listed as the purchase price on Tesla’s website. This means that they do not take into consideration the savings and incentives associated with purchasing a Tesla. These incentives can range into the thousands depending on where you live.
To see a full price breakdown, check out our blog, ‘Prices for All 2023 Tesla Models.’
Use your wait time to lower your costs
Do these two things to get maximum value from your car once it arrives.
1. Install a Level 2 charging station
Installing a Level 2 charger at your home will allow you to fully charge your EV overnight, and avoid the hassle of using commercial charging stations. For many EV owners, a Level 2 charger is essential.
2. Get solar panels to charge your Tesla cheaply
A huge benefit of owning a Tesla is the option to charge it with solar panels on your roof.
With a home solar energy system, not only will you be able to save on charging your Tesla, but you’ll also be able to save on your overall electricity costs
So, while you wait for your shiny new car to arrive, consider getting solar installed on your home.
Calculate how many panels you need to power your home and your Tesla
Waiting time for other EVs
The waiting time for some Tesla models extends over 6-months, and for some of you, this may be far too long a wait. They could even convince you to look at other carmakers for an EV.
The Nissan Leaf is one of the most budget-friendly and practical EVs available. It’s also possible to roll up to a showroom and drive out with one immediately. Image source: Car and Driver
Bottom line—are Teslas worth the wait?
Tesla’s waiting times for their EVs have been heavily criticized and have been a hot topic of conversation among consumers. But, are they really as bad as they're made out to be?
When looking at the estimated waiting times of other popular EV options, they seem to be fairly consistent. For example, some of the most popular EVs such as the Porsche Taycan, Volkswagen ID.4, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E all have estimated waiting times of over 6 months.
So, with competitors also experiencing extended delays, the lengthy wait times for a Tesla don’t seem as bad as once thought.
Furthermore, with Tesla still leading the industry in terms of performance, safety, and innovation, they're an option that's hard to look past.
If you do decide to get a Tesla or any other EV for that matter, you should consider solar power as a way to charge your car and power your home.
Key takeaways
- Wait times for new Teslas are currently between 1 and 6 months, depending on the model and variant.
- Demand for Teslas is currently very high due to expensive gas prices as well as the desire by drivers to lower their carbon footprint.
- If you want an EV immediately then models such as the Nissan Leaf and Audi E-Tron are available right away.
Chiquita Keil
Blog Author
Cameron is a business analyst and content specialist at SolarReviews.