2023-04-23 00:00:00
While car promoters promise shorter lead times to obtain an electric car, Quebecers remain unclear as to the delivery date of their new car.
“You have to understand that in terms of availability, it’s better than it was. There are people who still think it’s a 2-3 year wait, but that’s not true. In most cases, it’s less than a year’s wait,” says Luc Saumure, promoter of the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show.
Photo Audrey Robitaille
Luc Saumure is the promoter of the 6th edition of the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show at the Olympic Stadium, April 22, 2023. Photo Audrey Robitaille
The sixth edition of the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show, which takes place from April 21 to 23 at the Olympic Stadium, attracts several thousand curious visitors each year. Some of them are looking for their next car, while others have just come to learn regarding the latest technology.
“People will often book 5-6 vehicles at the same time, to be sure to have one. As soon as a first vehicle is ready, they cancel their other reservations, which leaves room for others. We therefore expect the wait to be shorter in the coming year,” explains Mr. Saumure.
He adds that, last year, 55% of electric vehicles sold were delivered in less than 12 months.
Cars that are waiting
Several of the Show visitors met by the Journal complained regarding the delays.
“It’s a shame to have to wait so long because technology will advance so quickly in the two years you wait, you’ll end up with a car that’s not even up to date anymore,” laments Serge Cousineau, from Longueuil.
Despite the delays, the septuagenarian is eager to begin his transition to electric. He is thinking of settling on the Kia EV6, a very popular electric SUV due to its affordability.
“It’s a minimum of two years of waiting for this model, but we have no choice. If you want to make the transition, you have to take a number and wait,” breathes Bernard Boisvenu, who recently reserved a Kia.
Photo Audrey Robitaille
Sylvain Parenteau visited the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show at the Olympic Stadium on April 22, 2023. Photo Audrey Robitaille
This car manufacturer is not the only one to have long lead times for the delivery of its vehicles. Sylvain Parenteau, from Quebec, paid a deposit over 12 months ago for his dream SUV, a VinFast VF8.
“The delays were a little longer than expected, but the delivery boat is on its way! We know that the vehicles are coming,” he says, happy with his choice.
A family choice
Electric cars seem to arouse the enthusiasm of young and old, since all age groups were present at the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show on Saturday.
Julien Chaumont and Laurence Le Guillou are thinking of making the transition to electric soon, despite the waiting times. They came to look at the different cars with their three children.
Photo Audrey Robitaille
Julien Chaumont (right), his spouse, Laurence Le Guillou, and their three children (Raphaëlle, Béatrice and Mathéo) visited the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show at the Olympic Stadium on April 22, 2023. Photo Audrey Robitaille
“It’s part of our plans. Of course, since we won’t buy right away, we’re not really worried regarding the wait. Maybe that will have changed by the time we are ready to buy, ”said the father of the family.
The family took advantage of the Salon to get informed, but didn’t forget to have fun. The children were able to try the vehicles coveted by their parents, to their delight.
“We tried the Lucid, we really liked it!” replies the eldest, with a big smile.
The Montreal Electric Vehicle Show will welcome visitors one last time on Sunday at 9:30 a.m., before closing its sixth edition.
1682219120
#Waiting #time #electric #vehicle