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Incentives

How EV Incentives Work

By
Dave Nichols
3
min
Jun 2023
Besides the federal credit for new electric vehicles, there are also many supporting benefits from state and local government. Want to learn how EV incentives work? Here’s what you need to know.
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Federal EV Credit

You’ve probably heard of the federal tax credit - which gets you up to $7,500 on certain plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles.

Under the new provisions, up to $7,500 is available for new electric vehicles , and there is now a credit of up to $4,000 for used electric vehicles, which can make buying an EV even more affordable for some drivers. However, price caps are in place: passenger cars priced at over $55,000 and vans, trucks, and SUVs priced at over $80,000 are no longer eligible for credits.

Under the new Act, only vehicles whose final assembly is completed in North America qualify for clean energy vehicle credits. This means that many vehicles that previously qualified for clean energy incentives are no longer eligible. Furthermore, for vehicles placed in service April 18, 2023 and after, not only do they have to be assembled in North America, but they must meet new critical mineral and battery component requirements for a credit of:

  • $3,750 if the vehicle meets the critical minerals requirement only
  • $3,750 if the vehicle meets the battery components requirement only
  • $7,500 if the vehicle meets both

A vehicle that doesn't meet either requirement will not be eligible for a credit.

You can look up the most current list of vehicles on the GreenCars EV Incentive Tool or at https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax2023.shtml.

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State and Local EV Incentives

Many states and local governments also have programs to help get you into a more fuel-efficient vehicle. These incentives come in the form of state tax credits, rebates, reduced vehicle taxes, and even exemptions from inspection fees and registration fees.

California has the most EVs of any state, they also offer the most support for those who are interested in driving green. The state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project can get California residents an additional $7,000 in state incentives.

To find out what incentives are available in your state, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s list of state EV incentives here. https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml

Person looking over their taxes

Local Utility Incentives

Many local electric utility companies are jumping on the EV bandwagon, offering incentive programs for new EV owners. Some companies offer a rebate of as much as $2,500 to customers who purchase an EV and home charging station. Others offer a discount on electric rates for charging your EV outside of peak hours.

Interested in a specific EV and want to know which incentives you qualify for? Use our EV Incentives Tool right here on GreenCars.

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