Confused about what vehicles are now eligible for the Federal EV Tax Credit? In light of new federal regulations that went into effect August 16th, it's easy to be. So here's our quick guide on what happened, what the new laws mean and which vehicles now qualify for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit for the remainder of 2022, plus some of the changes coming for 2023.
What Happened
Let's start with how we got here. Last week, President Joe Biden signed a new Inflation Reduction Act. The new legislation, which took effect immediately, restructures electric vehicle tax credits in a number of ways, including:
- Qualifying vehicles must have final assembly in North America. (If you're not sure where it's built, check the VIN number on the NHTSA website.)
- Creates a first-ever $4,000 used EV tax rebate for pre-owned vehicles more than two years old and costing $25,000 or less. And you have to buy it from a dealership.
- It eliminates the 200,000 vehicle cap. So GM and Tesla will again be eligible for tax credits in 2023.
- Come January 1st, 2023, there will be new restrictions on supply sourcing along with new income and pricing caps.
What It Means
For the rest of 2022, 21 models remain eligible for the Federal Tax Credit. (EV buyers who entered into a written binding contract to purchase a new qualifying electric before the law was signed August 16th still qualify. Check the IRS guidance on the new regulations here.)
Things change again in 2023. January 1st, GM and Tesla will once again join the EV tax credit party as they'll become once again eligible for the tax credit (under stricter rules). (They are currently not eligible since both automakers have surpassed the 200,000-vehicle cap.)
Also January 1st, new income and vehicle pricing caps go into effect. To qualify for the credit you'll have to make an adjusted gross income of less than $150,000 as a single person, $225K for head of household and $300,000K for joint filers. Qualifying electric vehicles must cost less than $55,000 and electric trucks and SUVs must cost less than $80,000. New sourcing restrictions for automakers go into effect as well in 2023. This pertains to where automakers get their EV battery minerals and components.
Elektrek has a great breakdown of the changes.
Clean Vehicle Credit Eligible Vehicle List
The current list below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. It notes that "for some manufacturers, the build location may vary based on the specific vehicle, trim, or the date in the Model Year when it was produced because some models are produced in multiple locations." So even if it's on this list, you'll want to check the VIN to confirm its final assembly location.
2022 EV models eligible through the remainder of 2022:
- Audi Q5
- BMW 330e Plug-In
- BMW X5
- Chrysler Pacifica PHEV
- Ford Escape PHEV
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Ford Transit Van
- Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV
- Jeep Wrangler PHEV
- Lincoln Aviator PHEV
- Lincoln Corsair Plug-in
- Lucid Air
- Nissan LEAF
- Rivian EDV
- Rivian R1S
- Rivian R1T
- Volvo S60 Recharge PHEV
Early 2023 EV models eligible through the remainder of 2022:
- BMW 3-series Plug-In
- Mercedes EQS
- Nissan LEAF
EVs that become eligible in 2023:
- 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV; 2023 Bolt EV
- 2022 GMC Hummer Pickup and SUV
- 2022 Tesla Models 3, S, X and Y
- 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ
To check out our Electric/Hybrid vehicle reviews click here.
Photo: 2023 Nissan LEAF. Credit: Nissan