In recent times, the automotive industry has witnessed a significant shift in consumer demand towards hybrid vehicles and a good example is the new Carnival Hybrid. This trend is underscored by the extended waiting periods for popular hybrid models, with some contracts extending up to 20 months. This delay starkly contrasts with the immediate availability of most electric vehicles (EVs), indicating a nuanced change in consumer preferences.
The Hybrid Waiting Game
Specific models like the Kia Carnival Hybrid and Hyundai Avante Hybrid (known as Elantra in overseas markets) have reported shipping times of up to a year in South Korea if ordered. The top trim of the Carnival Hybrid, called Gravity, has an even longer wait of 20 months. This waiting period is substantially longer than that for general internal combustion engine (ICE) models, which can be delivered in as little as four months.
Other hybrids, including Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid and Santa Fe Hybrid, as well as Kia’s Sorento Hybrid, face delivery times of about eight months. This duration is roughly six months longer than the ICE models, which are ready to ship in about two months.
New Kia Carnival Hybrid Interior
The Decline in EV Popularity
Contrastingly, the demand for electric cars has seen a downturn. Models like Hyundai Motor’s Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, along with Kia’s EV6 and EV9, can now be shipped in less than a month. This is a significant improvement from the year-long waits experienced in the previous year. To boost EV sales, manufacturers are offering enticing incentives, such as Hyundai’s discount for customers trading in vehicles over ten years old and Kia’s special financial products for EV purchases.
The automotive market is experiencing a distinct preference for hybrid vehicles over electric ones. While hybrids are seeing unprecedented demand leading to lengthy waits, electric vehicles are becoming more readily available, supported by attractive manufacturer incentives. This shift highlights the evolving dynamics of car buying, emphasizing the growing appeal of hybrids as a sustainable yet practical choice for today’s consumers.
