As sales of electric vehicles continue to grow in 2024, many new and prospective customers have questions about qualifying for a federal tax credit on electric vehicles. Whether your vehicle qualifies or not is a simple yes or no question, but the amount you may qualify for varies by household due to a number of different factors. Luckily, we have compiled everything you need to know about tax credits for your new or current electric vehicle into one place.
Table of contents
How does a federal tax credit work for my EV?
The idea in theory is quite simple, per the IRS – “You may qualify for a credit up to $7,500 under Internal Revenue Code Section 30D if you buy a new, qualified plug-in EV or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCV). The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 changed, but extended the terms for this credit for vehicles purchased between 2023 to 2032.
That said, you cannot simply go out and buy an electric vehicle and expect Uncle Sam to cut $7,500 off your taxes come April. In reality, the amount you qualify for is based on both your income tax as well as several specifications of the electric vehicle you purchase, including where it’s built. More on that below.
First, let’s take a second to truly understand how the Federal EV tax credit currently works.
How much is the federal tax credit?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand three little words the government slips in front of the $7,500 credit – “may” and “up to.” As in, you may qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credit for your electric vehicle. At first glance, this credit may sound like a simple flat rate, but that is unfortunately not the case.
For example, if you purchased a Tesla Model 3 and owed say, $3,500 in income tax for the year, then that is the federal tax credit you would receive. If you owed $10,000 in federal income tax, then you would qualify for the full $7,500 credit.
It’s important to note that any unused portion of the $7,500 is not available as a refund nor as a credit for next year’s taxes. Bummer.
The 2024 Model 3 / Source: Tesla
Federal Tax Credits under the Inflation Reduction Act
The following terms were introduced by the Biden Administration in the summer of 2022 and went into effect on January 1, 2023:
Federal tax credit for EVs will remain at $7,500
The timeline to qualify is extended a decade from January 2023 to December 2032
Tax credit cap for automakers after they hit 200,000 EVs sold is eliminated, making GM, Tesla, and Toyota once again eligible
The language in the bill indicates that the tax credit could be implemented at the point of sale instead of on taxes at the end of the fiscal year
That means you can get your credit up front at the dealer, but these terms may not kick in until 2024
In order to get the full tax credit, the EV must be assembled in North America and…
Two binary pieces separate the full $7,500 credit meaning the vehicle either qualifies for each piece of the credit or doesn’t
The other $3,750 of the new credit is based on at least 50% of the battery components of the vehicle coming from the United States or countries with a free trade agreement with the US
Note – these battery requirements are now being enforced as April 18, 2023. More below.
The 40% minerals requirement increases to 50% in 2024, 60% in 2025, 70% in 2026 and 80% in 2027
The 50% battery components requirement increases to 60% in 2024, 70% in 2026, 80% in 2027, 90% in 2028 and 100% in 2029
Beginning in 2025, any vehicle with battery minerals or components from a foreign entity of concern is excluded from the tax credit
Qualifying EVs must also have a battery size of at least 7 kWh and a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds
A new federal tax credit of $4,000 for used EVs priced below $25k
Subject to other requirements like lower annual income (see below)
Revised credit applies to battery electric vehicles with an MSRP below $55,000
Also includes zero-emission vans, SUVs, and trucks with MSRPs up to $80,000
New credit also expands to commercial fleet customers
Includes separate qualifications and limits
The federal EV tax credit will be available to individuals reporting adjusted gross incomes of $150,000 or less, $225,000 for heads of households, or $300,000 for joint filers
The new credit will also continue to apply to Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs) as long as they meet the same requirements outlined above
Revampedused electric vehicle tax credit
Used EVs also got revised terms that now offer a credit equal to 30% percent of the sale price (up to $4,000). That should help consumers like yourselves get some change back in your pocket at the end of the fiscal year. As long as you stick to these terms as outlined by the IRS.
To qualify as a customer, you must:
Be an individual who bought the vehicle for use and not for resale
Not be the original owner
Not be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return
Not have claimed another used clean vehicle credit in the three years before the EV purchase date
Modified adjusted gross income must not exceed $75k for individuals, $112,500 for heads of households, and $150k for joint returns
For the used EV to qualify for federal tax credits, it must:
Have a sale price of $25,000 or less
Have a model year at least two years earlier than the calendar year when you buy it
For example, a vehicle purchased in 2023 would need a model year of 2021 or older
Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer
Have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds
Be an eligible FCV or plug-in EV with a battery capacity of at least 7 kilowatt hours (kWh)
Be for use primarily in the United States
You buy the vehicle from a dealer
For qualified used EVs, the dealer reports the required information to you at the time of sale and to the IRS
Purchaser must be an individual (no businesses) to qualify for used credit
A used vehicle qualifies for tax credit only once in its lifetime
The IRS’ latest electric vehicle tax credit guidance
In October 2023, the IRS released updated guidance on federal tax credits for EV purchases in the US that now allow for point-of-sale federal tax credits rather than having to wait until you file to get your money back, beginning January 1, 2024. Per the IRS:
The Internal Revenue Service issued proposed regulations, Revenue Procedure 2023-33 (PDF) and frequently asked questions today for the transfer of new and previously owned clean vehicle credits from the taxpayer to an eligible entity for vehicles placed in service after Dec. 31, 2023.
This “transfer” is essentially the ability of a new EV buyer to give the tax credit to the dealer selling them their shiny new EV. In exchange, the dealer can give the equivalent “in cash or in the form of a partial payment or down payment.”
However, all the same eligibility criteria still apply even with a transfer, including the buyer having a federal tax burden.
The buyer must give the dealer all their tax information, which will then be submitted to the IRS. The dealer is not required to verify the information, and therefore, the disclosure falls on the buyer. All the other previous vehicle requirements, like MSRP limits, and for the buyers, like income limit requirements, apply here.
The only requirement that this update allows you to avoid is your tax burden. If, for some reason, you can afford to buy a new car and yet you happen to have a tax burden smaller than the full amount of tax credit you are eligible for, the IRS says that it won’t “recapture” the difference.
Vehicles that qualify for federal tax credits (January 2024)
The US Department of Energy offers a VIN decoder tool to confirm where a given EV is assembled. Check it out here.
Our complete breakdown of state tax incentives, sorted by state
In addition to any federal credit you may or may not qualify for, there are a number of clean transportation laws, regulations, and funding opportunities available at the state level.
We’ve compiled every state rebate, tax credit, and exemption for you and sorted it by state. Whether it’s a purchase or lease of a new or used EV or the purchase and installation of an EV charger, you could get money back, depending upon where you live. Here are all those tax credits, rebates, and exemptions sorted by state.
Source: Fueleconomy.gov
Electric Vehicle (EV) Tax Credit FAQ
How does the EV tax credit work?
At the federal level, the tax credits for EVs (electric cars, vans, trucks, etc) operate as money back at the end of the fiscal year you purchased or leased your vehicles based on a number of factors.
The awarded credit is up to $7,500 per vehicle, but how much you may get back will depend on your annual income, whether you are filing with someone else like a spouse, and what electric vehicle you purchased.
For example, if you purchased a Ford F-150 Lightning and owed $3,500 in income tax this year, then that is the federal tax credit you would receive. If you owed $10,000 in federal income tax, then you could qualify for the full $7,500 credit.
It’s important to note that any unused portion of the $7,500 is not available as a refund nor as a credit for next year’s taxes.
You may also be able to receive money back right away as a point-of-sale credit, but those terms probably won’t kick in until 2024 at the earliest.
What electric vehicles qualify for tax credits?
As things currently stand, there is a lot up in the air right now. The first table above details all of the electric vehicles that qualify under the terms of the Inflation Reduction Act, including battery guidance. Be sure to check the date at the bottom of each table above to see when it was most recently updated.
What electric vehicles qualify for the new tax credits in 2024?
As previously mentioned, qualifying terms for electric vehicles became more strict at the start of 2023, and EVs and their battery components must be assembled in North America to qualify.
As you can see above, significantly fewer electric vehicles qualify under the new terms, but as time goes on, more and more automakers will adapt their production strategies to operate within North America and start selling vehicles that qualify.
American companies like Ford, GM, and Tesla already have EVs that qualify to some extent, but others are sure to follow. We will continually update the list above as we learn more.
Do hybrids qualify for tax credits?
Excellent question. Since traditional hybrid vehicles rely primarily on combustion and do not use a plug to charge, they do not qualify for tax credits at the federal level. Credits apply to plug-in electric vehicles which include plug-in hybrid EVs and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Do used electric cars qualify for federal tax credits?
Yes! Under revised terms in the Inflation Reduction Act. Used EVs will now qualify in addition to new vehicles as previously stated.
As of January 1, 2023, qualifying used EVs priced below $25,000 can qualify for up to $4,000 in federal tax credits. There are some terms to note, however: – Used vehicle qualifies for tax credit only once in its lifetime. – Purchaser must be an individual (no businesses) to qualify for the used vehicle credit. – Purchaser may only claim one used vehicle credit per three years.
– Used vehicle must be at least two model years old at the time of sale. – The original use of the vehicle must have occurred with an individual other than the one claiming the used tax credit. – Used vehicle must be purchased from a dealer. – Gross income cap of $75k for individuals, $112,500 for heads of households, and $150k for joint returns. – Credit may be applied at the time of sale by the dealer
Are there price caps for electric vehicles to qualify for tax credits?
Yes. Under the new terms in the Inflation Reduction Act, the MSRP of electric vehicles must be $80,000 or less for SUVs, vans, and trucks. MSRPs for all other electric vehicles must be $55,000 or less.
What are the income limits to qualify for any federal EV tax credits?
Modified adjusted gross income limits are $150,000 for individuals, $225,000 for heads of households, and $300,000 for joint returns. Any reported annual income below these thresholds should qualify you for some level of tax credit, as long as your new purchase is a qualifying electric vehicle.
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Tesla CEO Elon Musk with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick
Trump’s US Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, who indirectly owns Tesla (TSLA) stocks through his firm, has publicly recommended buying Tesla stocks today.
This is likely the first time that a sitting US Commerce Secretary publicly recommends to buy a specific stock.
The circumstances in which this first is happening are genuinely astonishing.
Lutnick is known for his multi-billion-dollar stake and long-time leadership at the investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald.
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Starting in 2022, Cantor Fitzgerald began to buy Tesla stocks and significantly increased its investment in the automaker in 2024 during a bull run:
After Trump won the election last year with the help of a $250 million political donation from Elon Musk, the Tesla CEO started to recommend Lutnick for the significant role of Secretary of the Treasury. He tweeted:
My view fwiw is that Bessent is a business-as-usual choice, whereas Howard Lutnick will actually enact change. Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt, so we need change one way or another,”
Trump ended up going for Bessent, but Lutnick still managed to land the role of Secretary of Commerce – with the help of Musk’s push.
After being nominated by Trump, Lutnick said that he would be divesting from his holdings, which are mainly linked to Cantor Fitzgerald, within 90 days.
The 90 days are not up yet, but there is no update on whether he has started divesting yet.
Today, he went on Fox News and recommended viewers buy Tesla stocks:
“I think if you want to learn something on this show tonight, buy Tesla. It’s unbelievable that this guy’s stock is this cheap. It’ll never be this cheap again,”
Here’s the video:
The blatant stock pump comes after Tesla’s stock lost more than 40% of its value so far this year.
Musk uses 238 million Tesla shares worth over $55 billion as collateral for personal loans. If Tesla’s stock goes too low, he could potentially be forced to sell his shares to cover the debt.
Furthermore, on the analyst side, Cantor Fitzgerald just upgraded Tesla’s stock to a buy earlier this week – raising their price target to $425 a share. Tesla’s stock closed at $235.86 today.
Howard Lutnick’s son, Brandon, is now in charge of Cantor Fitzgerald as Chairman.
Here’s a summary of Cantor Fitzgerald’s Tesla holdings:
Early 2022: The firm held a very small position (only ~8,400 Tesla shares in Q1 2022) but rapidly increased to about 297,000 shares by Q3 2022 (worth ~$79 million at the time). This large buy-in during mid-2022 marked a significant ramp-up in their Tesla exposure.
Late 2022: By the end of 2022, Cantor dramatically cut back its stake – holding roughly 72,000 shares in Q4 2022. This reduction from nearly 300k shares the prior quarter coincided with a steep drop in Tesla’s stock price in late 2022 (shares fell by roughly 50% during Q4 2022).
2023: Throughout 2023, Cantor Fitzgerald kept a modest Tesla position, fluctuating in the tens of thousands of shares. For example, they reported ~44,000 shares in Q1 2023, increased to 91,000 by Q2 2023, then adjusted to 56,000 in Q3 2023 and 83,000 by Q4 2023.
These moves suggest active trading around Tesla’s short-term moves, with no huge long-only stake during 2023. Notably, it appears Cantor completely exited Tesla in early 2024 – Tesla was not listed in their Q1–Q2 2024 13F filings, implying they sold off the remaining shares during that period (when Tesla’s price rallied to local highs).
Re-entry in 2024: In the second half of 2024, Cantor Fitzgerald made a bold re-entry into Tesla. Their holdings surged to about 1.2 million shares in Q3 2024 (valued ~$307 million as of September 30, 2024). This coincided with a mid-2024 pullback in Tesla’s stock price, suggesting Cantor bought the dip. By the end of 2024, they trimmed the position down to ~740,000 shares (from 1.2M), likely taking profits after Tesla’s price rallied late in the year.
Electrek’s Take
I mean, wow. This is something else.
The fact alone that a US secretary would recommend buying a specific stock is despicable, but it’s even more insane when it is the stock behind the fortune of Elon Musk, who has a relationship with Lutnick.
Lutnick’s Cantor invests in Tesla -> Musk invests in Trump -> Trump appoints Lutnick at Musk’s recommendation -> Tesla’s stock crash –> Trump recommends buying Tesla cars –> Lutnicks recommends buying Tesla stocks.
I’m no lawyer so I’m not going to claim whether this is legal or not, but it’s certainly not ethical.
Tesla must be really struggling if that’s what they are doing now: using US officials to promote Tesla’s stocks.
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The US battery storage market set another record in 2024, installing 12.3 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity across all sectors, according to a new report from the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and Wood Mackenzie.
In total, 12,314 megawatts (MW) and 37,143 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage were added, marking a jump of 33% and 34%, respectively, compared to 2023.
Grid-scale storage breaks records, despite some delays
While the final quarter of 2024 saw a 20% dip in grid-scale battery storage compared to Q4 2023, this decline was mainly due to the delayed completion of 2 GW worth of projects, now pushed into 2025.
Texas and California continue to dominate the grid-scale market, making up 61% of total capacity added in Q4. The remaining installations are spread across 13 other states, showing energy storage is expanding beyond traditional leaders. In 2025, grid-scale storage installations are expected to grow further, reaching around 13.3 GW.
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ACP VP of Energy Storage Noah Roberts highlighted the growth, noting, “Energy storage is solidifying its place as a leading solution for strengthening American energy security and grid reliability in a time of historic rising demand for electricity.” Roberts emphasized storage’s key role in balancing renewable energy and improving the efficiency of traditional power plants.
Kelsey Hallahan, senior director of market intelligence at ACP, noted that the market is diversifying geographically, with significant additions coming from New Mexico, Oregon, and Arizona, which accounted for 30% of the new capacity in Q4 2024. She also predicted continued rapid growth, saying the industry is on track to surpass 100 GW of grid-scale storage by 2030.
Residential battery storage hits new highs
Residential battery storage saw its strongest year ever, installing over 1,250 MW in 2024, a 57% increase from the previous year. The last quarter alone saw a record-breaking 380 MW added, a 6% bump compared to Q3.
The community-scale, commercial, and industrial (CCI) market also had a strong year, growing 22% year-over-year with 145 MW installed. California, Massachusetts, and New York together accounted for 88% of this market segment.
Looking ahead to 2025
The forecast for 2025 remains bullish, with expectations of 15 GW in total new storage installations – up 25% compared to 2024. However, Wood Mackenzie research analyst Allison Feeney warned that policy uncertainties could slow growth temporarily before it picks back up toward the end of the decade. Between 2025 and 2029, total installations could reach as much as 81 GW.
Wood Mackenzie’s global head of storage, Allison Weis, cautioned that uncertainties around US tax incentives and tariffs could significantly impact the storage industry:
The combination of new tariffs on China and other countries with continued 45x and domestic content bonus adder incentives would make US-based systems more competitively priced. However, many domestic providers are not set up to meet quick demand. If higher pricing is combined with ITC tax incentives phasing out beginning in 2028, it could lower our five-year deployment outlook by as much as 19%.
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The Seagull is BYD’s cheapest EV, starting at under $10,000 in China. Later this year, it will launch in Europe as the Dolphin Surf with added safety tech and more. BYD’s executive vice president, Stella Li, said it will be “the best value” when it arrives.
BYD’s cheapest EV will arrive in Europe this year
After launching the Seagull in 2023, the small electric hatch quickly became one of China’s best-selling EVs with a low price, modern tech, and BYD’s advanced batteries.
In November, it topped Tesla’s Model Y as the top-selling vehicle in China, EV or gas-powered. Later this year, the Seagull will arrive in Europe as the BYD Dolphin Surf with more advanced safety tech and other features.
Although it won’t start at under $10,000 (69,800 yuan), as in China, the Dolphin Surf will still be among the most affordable electric cars in the UK and Europe. Li said (via Autocar) that the Seagull (Dolphin Surf) may “not be the cheapest,” but it will be “the best value.”
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It’s expected to start at under £20,000 ($26,000), which would undercut rival EVs like the Citroen e-C3 (£21,990). However, it’s not expected to beat others like the Dacia Spring, starting at £14,995 ($19,500).
BYD Seagull EV (Dolphin Mini) testing in Brazil (Source: BYD)
The Seagull is available in three trims in China: Active, Free, and Flying, starting at 69,800 yuan ($9,700). Two BYD battery packs, 30.08 kWh and 38.88 kWh, provide 305 km (190 miles) and 405 km (252 miles) CLTC range, respectively.
BYD Seagull trim
Starting Price
Range (CLTC)
Active
$9,700 (69,800 yuan)
190 mi (305 km)
Free
$10,500 (75,800 yuan)
190 mi (305 km)
Flying
$12,000 (85,800 yuan)
252 mi (405 km)
BYD Seagull EV prices and range in China
The interior is relatively simple, with a 10.1″ rotating center infotainment and 5″ driver display screens. But with its DiLink intelligent network connection, the smart cockpit features an Android-based system with navigation support, video and other media capabilities, and more.
BYD’s low-cost EV has earned the nickname “Mini Lamborghini” in China because former Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger led the Seagull’s design.
BYD Seagull (Dolphin Mini) interior (Source: BYD)
At just 3,780 mm long, 1,715 mm wide, and 1,540 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,500 mm, BYD’s Seagull is smaller than the Volkswagen ID.3 (4,264 mm long, 1,809 mm wide, 1,568 mm tall).
Earlier this year, BYD launched 21 of its top-selling vehicles, including the Seagull, with its “Gods Eye” smart driving system, at no extra charge.
BYD Dolphin Mini (Seagull) launch in Brazil (Source: BYD)
BYD has already launched the Seagull EV in several other overseas markets, calling it the Dolphin Mini. It’s been on sale in Brazil, Mexico, Columbia, Chile, and the Philippines since last year.
Will BYD’s cheapest EV win over buyers in Europe like it has in other markets? First, it will launch the highly anticipated Sealion 7 midsize electric SUV. According to S&P Global Mobility, BYD’s sales are expected to double from 83,000 last year to 186,000 in 2025. By 2029, that number could reach just under 400,000. The report claims that “the Seagull’s pricing strategy ensures competitiveness in the EU even with tariffs.”
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