Electric vehicle buyers have access to numerous subsidies and incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, and grants. These initiatives aim to encourage buyers to switch from gas-powered cars or diesel trucks to electric models instead.
The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) introduces significant EV tax credit reforms, but these come with complex rules that will determine which vehicles qualify.
Tax Credits
A federal tax credit of up to $7,500 can help cover the cost of purchasing an electric vehicle. Your exact amount depends on your income, the model of vehicle purchased and where it was manufactured or assembled.
Credit eligibility is also made easier if you’re purchasing an electric vehicle with two or more people in your household. For instance, if both you and your spouse purchase the same electric vehicle with the same battery capacity, each owner can claim one credit.
Unfortunately, a recent change to the electric vehicle tax credit may make it more challenging for some consumers to receive full reimbursement. Signed into law by President Biden in August, the Inflation Reduction Act modifies certain eligibility rules for this benefit.
The changes are intended to bring more manufacturing and supply chains within U.S. borders and those of allies, but some experts worry that the new restrictions will make it difficult for automakers to develop a strong American supply chain.
To be eligible for the full $7,500 credit, an electric vehicle (EV) must be made in North America with parts sourced from countries with free-trade agreements with the U.S. This means many foreign-made EVs won’t qualify and it could make it harder for some automakers to introduce new models.
In the end, sourcing requirements may be beneficial for buyers who desire a robust supply base. But how well the government will enforce these conditions and how well they will function in the long run remain uncertain.
But the tax credit should still provide a strong incentive for electric car buyers. The $7,500 credit is an impressive increase over the previous $2,250 credit for new EVs.
In addition to the federal credit, state governments offer incentives for driving electric cars. These may take the form of rebates and grants; however, these amounts vary by jurisdiction.
For a list of states offering tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs), click here. The list is organized by state and includes information on whether an EV qualifies for the credit.
Zero Emissions Vehicles
Electric vehicle subsidies exist to encourage drivers away from conventional vehicles that emit air pollutants and greenhouse gases. Zero emission vehicles run entirely on electricity without emitting any emissions from their engine, gas tank or exhaust. Examples include electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids and other types of hybrid vehicles.
California’s Zero Emission Vehicle program is a state-wide initiative that requires auto manufacturers to make at least 10 percent of their new car and truck sales in ZEVs by 2022, across both light-duty and heavy-duty models.
In 1990, the California Air Resources Board implemented a ZEV mandate that two percent of new vehicles sold for sale must be zero-emission by 1998 and that 10 percent must be ZEVs by 2003. This regulation was designed to promote innovative low-emission vehicle technologies and guarantee consumers would opt for zero-emission alternatives over their conventional cars.
CARB also passed a ZEV assurance measure, which requires auto manufacturers to guarantee their zero-emission cars and trucks will be reliable, durable and serviceable for their owners. This has helped build trust in the program.
Additionally, the program has fostered the development of innovative charging infrastructure to promote electric vehicle adoption. These stations are usually situated near public transportation hubs and commercial businesses and may be funded with federal or state tax credits and incentives.
This program currently provides up to 200,000 credits for qualifying vehicles, depending on their drivetrain and electric range. This initiative will significantly accelerate production of zero-emission cars and has been welcomed by numerous industry groups.
As public awareness of the need for more eco-friendly transportation grows, more governments around the world are adopting zero-emission vehicle policies. The United States government recently signed the Zero-Emission Government Fleet Declaration as a step in this direction – outlining specific steps that need to be taken in order to reach zero emissions in government fleets such as buses and trucks. Under this Declaration, government owned and operated fleets must purchase at least 100 percent zero-emission vehicles by 2025.
State Subsidies
State governments across America have implemented incentives to promote electric vehicle adoption. Common incentives include tax credits for purchasing an EV and rebates for installing charging stations at home.
These subsidies aim to reduce oil dependence and global warming while increasing energy security by encouraging consumers to select domestically produced vehicles instead of imported ones. According to a study by Jianwei Xing and Benjamin Leard, electric vehicle subsidies account for around 30% of all emissions reductions produced in the U.S. However, some experts speculate that these incentives may have even encouraged some individuals to buy EVs even if they would have bought them anyway.
Other state policies to promote electric vehicle adoption include time-of-use rate discounts for EVs and a reduced vehicle registration fee. The purpose of these initiatives is to lower EV owners’ monthly electricity expenses by making chargers more affordable.
Alaskan electric utilities often offer discounts on electric vehicle chargers to members who install a Level 2 charger and sign up for an affordable time-of-use rate.
New Hampshire Electric Co-op (NHEC) offers residential customers a $300 electric vehicle charger incentive when they install a Level 2 charger and take advantage of discounted off-peak charging rates. Furthermore, the company provides a $500 EV rebate to those who buy or lease an electric vehicle from them.
Alabama Power offers its customers a discounted time-of-use rate to charge their EVs at home, as well as providing them with a $250 EV charger rebate through 2022. In addition, Chugach Electric Association and Hawaii Electric Cooperative both provide discounts for residential EV owners.
Additionally, some electric companies offer discounts on EV charges when customers sign up for a smart charger that can separate charging from electricity consumption. This is an excellent way to save money on your electric bill and maximize the potential of your electric vehicle!
In addition to federal and state subsidies, many cities and municipalities are launching programs to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). These local initiatives can help increase the number of EVs on the road while making driving an EV safer and easier. Some examples include funding for charging infrastructure, crafting new clean vehicle regulations, and adopting electric car charging networks.
Federal Subsidies
The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for most electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Virtually all EVs and PHEVs purchased since 2010 qualify for this benefit, which is based on the amount of battery capacity used in the vehicle.
However, this federal incentive only covers the portion of your income taxes that you owe; any remainder won’t be credited to you or added onto any refund check. Therefore, in order to claim this credit, you must complete and file IRS Form 8936 and attach supporting documentation.
In addition to federal incentives, many states provide state-level subsidies that can further reduce the cost of an electric vehicle. These may include rebates, reduced vehicle taxes, single-occupant carpool lane access stickers and exemptions from registration or inspection fees.
The largest tax credit available for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) is worth up to $7,500 and has been available since 2010. This credit can be applied to most EVs including all-electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
From now until March 2023, you can take advantage of this tax credit when purchasing a qualified electric vehicle. This credit will reduce the price and make financing easier by decreasing its interest rate.
Another federal subsidy is the “final assembly” requirement, which necessitates electric vehicle manufacturers to build their vehicles in North America. This mandate serves as an incentive for government to promote more manufacturing and supply chain facilities within America.
Though the requirement will likely slow down the production of some electric vehicles, it also creates incentives for automakers to move their factories closer to where their products will be sold and serviced. That is why the Obama administration recently extended this requirement until at least March 2023.
In addition to this North American final assembly requirement, the IRS is gradually phasing in increasingly stringent geographic requirements for electric vehicle batteries. While this makes it harder to claim a full federal tax credit for electric vehicles, it also serves to encourage automakers to build more of them here in America.
This tax credit is an attractive incentive for electric vehicles, but it’s essential to understand its workings before purchasing one. Fortunately, the government has created a straightforward tool to decode a vehicle’s VIN in order to determine where it was assembled and whether you qualify for the credit.