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January 1, 2023, kicked off a fresh start of new tax credits for vehicles, both new and used. Since then, much of the dust has settled on the Capitol as it continues to implement qualifying terms for tax credits, continuously shifting what used EVs do and do not qualify. Here’s the latest list.

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A used EV might be the way to go in 2024

Although the $7,500 federal tax credit has been extended for new EV purchases under revised qualifying terms, those current requirements leave a very limited the number of current EVs that qualify.

Many automakers are already pivoting their business strategies to move EV and battery assembly to US soil to once again qualify, but it will take time to establish those facilities and get them up and running.

In the meantime, it might be worth considering a used EV in order to take advantage of the revamped federal tax credit up to $4,000. Here’s how it works.

How the current tax credit works for used EVs

In a perfect world for consumers, any and all used EV purchases would qualify for tax credits from the US government, but that’s unfortunately not the case. As part of revised terms in the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Biden, federal tax credits have been extended and include revamped benefits for used EV purchases. As long as they fit certain criteria. Per the IRS:

Beginning January 1, 2023, if you buy a qualified previously owned electric vehicle (EV) or fuel cell vehicle (FCV) from a licensed dealer for $25,000 or less, you may be eligible for a previously owned clean vehicle tax credit under Internal Revenue Code Section 25E.

Used EVs no see revised terms that offers 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
  • Must be an individual (no businesses)
  • 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 3 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

Additionally, in order for 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 2 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 least 7 kilowatt hours (kWh)
  • Be for use primarily in the United States
  • Purchased from a certified dealer:
    • For qualified used EVs, the dealer reports required information to you at the time of sale and to the IRS
  • A used vehicle qualifies for tax credit only once in its lifetime
Used EV tax credit
A 2020 Nissan LEAF SV Plus. Definitely worthy of used EV tax credits

Here are all the Used EVs that qualify for tax credits

As promised, here is the current list of used EVs that qualify for tax credits in the US, per the IRS, separated by all-electric BEVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

It’s important to note that this is not the end all, be all list of used EVs that qualify for tax credits in the US. Once again, per the IRS:

Manufacturers of the vehicles listed below have provided appropriate information and have indicated that the vehicles are eligible for the credit provided other requirements are met. 

This is simply the list provided by the government which will be continually updated by both them and us. Additionally, some of these EVs especially are 2021 or 2022 models, and it will be nearly impossible to find them on sale below $25k. If you do somehow luck out, more power to you, because you may qualify for additional savings.

As always, we recommend speaking with a tax professional and EV dealer directly in order to ensure what you and your new vehicle qualify for. Without further adieu, here are the all-electric models that currently qualify:

All-electric models

Make/Model/Year(s) Full Tax Credit
AUDI
e-tron (2019, 2021-2022) $4,000
e-tron Sportback (2020-2022) $4,000
BMW
i3 (with or without range extender) (2014-2021) $4,000
i3 (60Ah) (2017) $4,000
i3s (with or without range extender) (2018-2021) $4,000
i4 Gran Coupe (2022) $4,000
iX xDrive50 (2022) $4,000
CHEVROLET (GM)
Bolt (2017-2021) $4,000
Bolt EV (2022) $4,000
Bolt EUV (2022) $4,000
Spark EV (2014-2016) $4,000
FIAT
500e (2013-2019) $4,000
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
E-Transit (2022) $4,000
F-150 Lightning Standard/Extended Range (2022) $4,000
Focus Electric (2012-2018) $4,000
Mustang Mach-E (2021-2022) $4,000
GENESIS
G80 (2022) $4,000
HYUNDAI
IONIQ 5 (2022) $4,000
Ioniq BEV (2017-2021) $4,000
Kona Electric (2019-2022) $4,000
JAGUAR TBD
KIA
EV6 (2022) $4,000
Niro EV (2019-2022) $4,000
Soul EV (2015-2020) $4,000
LAND ROVER TBD
LUCID MOTORS
Air (all trims) (2022) $4,000
MAZDA TBD
MERCEDES-BENZ
B250e (B-Class) (2014-2017) $4,000
EQB SUV (all trims) (2022) $4,000
EQS Sedan (all trims) (2022) $4,000
MINI
Cooper S E Hardtop (2020-2022) $4,000
MITSUBISHI
i-MiEV (2012-2014, 2016-2017) $4,000
NISSAN
LEAF (all models) (2011-2022) $4,000
POLESTAR
2 (2021-2022) $4,000
PORSCHE
Taycan (all models) (2020-2022) $4,000
RIVIAN
EDV (2022) $4,000
R1T (2022) $4,000
R1S (2022) $4,000
smart
Coupe EV (2013-2018) $4,000
EQ Fortwo Coupe (2019) $4,000
Cabrio EV (2013-2015, 2017-2018) $4,000
EQ Fortwo Cabrio (2019) $4,000
SUBARU TBD
TESLA
Model 3 (2017-2022) $4,000
Model S (2012-2021) $4,000
Model X (2016-2021) $4,000
Model Y (2020-2022) $4,000
Roadster (2009-2011) $4,000
TOYOTA
RAV4 EV (2012-2014) $4,000
VOLKSWAGEN
e-Golf (2015-2019) $4,000
ID.4 (all models) (2021-2022) $4,000
VOLVO
C40 (2022) $4,000
XC40 Recharge (2021-2022) $4,000
Last updated 1/23/2024, most recent changes in bold
Used EV tax credit
The Audi Q5 TFSI e Quattro. Currently qualified for used EV tax credits as a PHEV / Source: Audi

Used plug-in hybrids EVs that qualify for tax credits

Make/Model/Year(s) Full Tax Credit
AUDI
A3 e-tron/ultra (2016-2018) $4,000
A7 55 TFSI e Quattro (2021-2022) $4,000
A8L PHEV (2020) $4,000
A8L 60 TFSI e Quattro (2021) $4,000
Q5 PHEV (2020) $4,000
Q5 55 TFSI e Quattro (2021-2022) $4,000
BENTLEY MOTORS
Bentayga Hybrid SUV (2020-2021) $4,000
BMW
i8 (2014-2017) $4,000
i8 Coupe/Roadster (2019-2020) $4,000
330e (2016-2018, 2021-2022) $4,000
330e xDrive (2021-2022) $4,000
530e/xDrive (2018-2022) $4,000
740e (2017) $4,000
740e xDrive (2018-2021) $4,000
745e xDrive (2020-2022) $4,000
X3 xDrive30e (2020-2021) $4,000
X5 xDrive40e (2016-2018) $4,000
X5 xDrive45e (2021-2022) $4,000
CADILLAC (GM)
ELR (2014-2016) $4,000
CHEVROLET (GM)
Volt (2011-2019) $4,000
CHRYSLER TBD
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
C-Max Energi (2013-2017) $4,000
Escape Plug-In Hybrid (2020-2022) $4,000
Fusion Energi (2013-2020) $4,000
HONDA
Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (2018-2021) $4,000
HYUNDAI
Ioniq PHEV (2018-2022) $4,000
Santa Fe PHEV (2022) $4,000
Sonata PHEV (2016-2019) $4,000
Tucson PHEV (2022) $4,000
JAGUAR TBD
JEEP
Grand Cherokee 4xe (2022) $4,000
Wrangler 4xe (2021-2022) $4,000
KIA
Niro PHEV (2018-2022) $4,000
Optima PHEV (2017-2020) $4,000
Sorento PHEV (2022) $4,000
LAND ROVER TBD
LEXUS
NX PHEV (2022) $4,000
LINCOLN
Aviator Grand Touring (2020-2022) $4,000
Corsair Grand Touring (2021-2022) $4,000
MAZDA TBD
MERCEDES-BENZ
S550e PHEV (2015-2017) $4,000
S560e EQ PHEV (2020) $4,000
GLC350e 4M (2018-2020) $4,000
GLE550e 4M (2016-2018) $4,000
MINI
Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (2018-2022) $4,000
MITSUBISHI TBD
Outlander PHEV (2018-2022) $4,000
POLESTAR
1 (2020-2021) $4,000
PORSCHE
Cayenne E-Hybrid (all models) (2015-2022) $4,000
Panamera E-Hybrid (all models) (2014-2016, 2018-2022) $4,000
SUBARU
Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid (2019-2022) $4,000
TOYOTA
Prius Prime PHEV (2017-2022) $4,000
RAV4 Prime PHEV (2021-2022) $4,000
VOLKSWAGEN TBD
VOLVO
S60 (2019-2022) $4,000
S90 (2018-2022) $4,000
V60 (2020-2022) $4,000
XC60 (2018-2022) $4,000
XC90 (2016-2022) $4,000
Last updated 1/23/2024, most recent changes in bold

Other resources for EV tax credits

While tax credits for used EVs are newly revamped and may be the way to go for you personally, there are plenty of other options to get money back from Uncle Sam at the end of the fiscal year.

For instance, revised terms outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act went into affect January 1, 2023 and enable the extension of federal tax credits for new EV purchases through the next decade, while once again allowing EVs from American automakers like Tesla and GM to once again qualify.

That being said, the capitol is still trying to settle a lot of these terms to determine what vehicles qualify, so things are a bit cloudy at the moment, but you may be able to take advantage of tax credits before battery assembly requirements kick in later this year.

Learn more about federal tax credits for new EV purchases here.

Whether it’s a new or used EV purchase that ends up being right for you, you may still be able to take advantage of additional perks at the state level, depending where you live. Credits, exemptions, and other benefits could be available for an EV purchase, lease, or for relevant equipment like home charger installation.

You can check out what EV-centric benefits may be available to you, sorted by state, here.

We’d like to reiterate once last time that we recommend doing your own research and speaking with a tax professional and EV dealer directly in order to ensure exactly what you and your vehicle purchase qualify for.

Good luck in EV your search!

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Mary Kay goes electric with new Pink Cadillac OPTIQ (cue the music)

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Mary Kay goes electric with new Pink Cadillac OPTIQ (cue the music)

Mark Kay’s iconic Pink Cadillac awards are driving into the future for 2025. The company’s first-ever electric Pink Cadillac OPTIQ made its debut during the Mary Kay annual Seminar in Charlotte this weekend, symbolizing a “recharged vision” for the future of the popular brand.

Pioneers in monetizing friendships female empowerment and entrepreneurship, the Pink Cadillac is considered one the most coveted symbols of achievement for Mary Kay sales reps, signifying not just great sales (GM Authority reported that it took ~$102,000 in annual sales to qualify back in 2001), but also leadership, a history of mentoring others, and a sustained reputation of excellence among their peers.

The women you see behind the wheel of the Pink Cadillac are the real deal, in other words, and the big Caddy really does mean something to people in the know.

The iconic pink Cadillac was born in 1968 when Mary Kay Ash purchased a Cadillac Coupe De Ville from a Dallas dealership and promptly had it painted to match the pale pink Mary Kay lip and eye palette. General Motors later named the color Mary Kay Pink Pearl, and the shade is exclusive to Mary Kay.

MARY KAY

Now, the Pink Cadillac is going to stand for environmental sustainability, too, enabling Mary Kay’s top performers to set yet another positive example for anyone aspiring to their success.

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“For decades, the Mary Kay pink Cadillac has symbolized accomplishment, aspiration, and the power of recognition,” said Ryan Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Mary Kay. “With the introduction of the all-electric OPTIQ, we’re honoring that iconic legacy while driving into a transformative future—one grounded in our commitment to sustainability and dedication to inspiring and celebrating the achievements of our independent sales force for generations to come.”

Mary Kay announced its new Pink Cadillac with this video, below.

Same Legacy, New Energy


“The legacy continues with the new, all-electric (and still very pink) Cadillac Otiq [sic],” reads the official Mary Kay copy on YouTube. “The Optiq remains instantly recognizable with the pink pearl exterior, while modernizing with sleek, cutting-edge features. In addition, this vehicle showcases our commitment and dedication to sustainability by reducing our carbon footprint while continuing to inspire.”

Speaking of inspiration, I can’t hardly hear the words “Pink Cadillac” without thinking of the song. But, since “Bruce Springsteen” has become something of a trigger word for the MAGA snowflakes in the audience, I’ll post a different, but similarly great song about rose-tinted GM flagships from Dope Lemon. You can let me know what you think of it in the comments.

As ever, the Cadillac is not a “gift,” per se – but typically takes the form of a two year lease paid for by Mary Kay. No word yet on what the exact shape and form the OPTIQ deal will take.

Electrek’s Take


Whatever you might think of MLMs or businesses like Amway, Avon, or Mary Kay, they play a big part in the social dramas of hundreds (if not thousands) of neighborhoods and online communities. The people at the top are influential, and the people “below” them genuinely try to emulate them and follow their lead.

Thanks to Mary Kay, that might soon mean a decision to buy an electric vehicle – and that result would be a win for everyone.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Mary Kay.


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First drive – RBW’s electric Roadster is a sporty modern take on British classics

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First drive - RBW's electric Roadster is a sporty modern take on British classics

RBW, a British handcrafted electric car manufacturer, brought its cute little Roadster out to Santa Monica and invited us up for a drive.

RBW has built cars in the UK for a few years now, but is about to set up US manufacturing in Virginia. Along with that comes a version of its Roadster modified for the US market, and we got a sneak peek with a short drive in Santa Monica.

The RBW Roadster is a small, hand-built, retro-style EV, meant as a modern take on British classics. But it’s not an actual classic itself – it’s a newly-built vehicle, with a new body, modern safety features, and even some electronics, like CarPlay and Android Auto (but not much else – there’s no huge, cockpit-defining screen, just a 9″ one, with retro gauges in front of the driver. But it does have a backup camera!).

Our drive was short, just a quick trip up and down the most trafficky part of Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica, without much chance to really stretch the vehicle’s legs. So we can’t verify range or tell you how it handles on the limits, but we can tell you about the basic controls and feel of the vehicle.

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On a mostly smooth road, the car offered a comfortable ride dynamic. We didn’t get a sense of chassis noise because the top was down (which I surmised was an intentional effort by the company – I’ve used the same trick when showing off my car before).

The steering is tight and has a good weight to it, and the retro-style steering wheel felt great in my hands.

Of particular interest to me, as a long-time EV driver, is how the throttle pedal is tuned. Lots of EVs add some intentional delay or smoothing to throttle inputs, which ends up making the pedal feel mushy and indirect, reducing the control you have over the vehicle.

For reference, the cars I drive most often are the Tesla Roadster and Model 3, which both have excellent direct pedal feel.

And I’m happy to report that the RBW Roadster’s throttle pedal feels very similar to the cars I love to drive. The car feels quick, and responds exactly to what I want it to do, when I want it to do it. But it’s not excessively “punchy” like some of the more absurdly-powered EVs can be (like the Tesla Model S Plaid or the Macan Turbo S).

It does not, however, have off-throttle regenerative braking, aka one-pedal driving. Pressing the brake pedal engages regen, but letting off the throttle lets you simply coast. I personally prefer one-pedal driving, but one consideration RBW had is that since the car does not have traction control, regenerative braking on the rear axle (where the motor is) could potentially present a safety issue on slippery roads. So, fair enough I guess, but I still do prefer one pedal.

Speaking of pedals, the brake pedal was placed quite far from the accelerator. This is a plus and a minus – a minus because it’s quite different from most vehicles these days, where the pedals are placed closer, for ease of reaching them with your right foot. A plus because higher separation might reduce the chance of “crossing the pedals” and accidentally pressing both with the same foot in an emergency situation, and because it enables left-foot braking, which is generally better for performance driving… in the hands of a trained driver, anyway.

That said, this isn’t exactly a performance car. It’s fun, it’s responsive, but it’s not powerful. The version we tested had a 0-60 time of only around 9 seconds, so it didn’t give you the “throw your head back” feeling that so many EVs on the road these days do. It’s responsive, but not fast.

RBW says the American version will have more motor power than the UK version, but it’s still trying to figure out exactly how to tune it. This should bring 0-60 times down by about a second. But we can’t help but think that it would be nice with even a little more power than that, which we think should be possible given the car’s 50kWh battery and ~2,900lb weight, specs that are similar to my similarly-sized Tesla Roadster (as you can see below – along with the GT version of the RBW, on the right).

Here’s an issue: all the specs we were given seem extremely fluid. While talking to the company, I got several different numbers for any given specification. It seems to me like the company is still figuring out exactly what changes it will make for its US models.

This is somewhat to be expected of a small, hand-built manufacturer, especially since buyers can ask for certain modifications or personalizations (seat height, for example, which is important in a small car like this). But it does make it tough to write an article about it.

Nevertheless, the car drives well, and RBW seems to have gotten a lot right about the dynamics of the vehicle. It executes well on its goal – a fun, small British-style roadster, a great weekend car for those who have the means.

As for the means, the RBW Roadster will start in the $140-150k range, so it’s not cheap. But if you’re looking for something like this, it’s just about the only game in town, and it’s a good execution of the feel of a nimble roadster for weekend cruising.

RBW is currently taking $1,000 reservations for 2026 builds, and you can have a look at configurations (paint, roof, interior, wheels) over on its website.


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This cool-looking electric motorcycle wants to pretend to be an e-bike

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This cool-looking electric motorcycle wants to pretend to be an e-bike

Canadian startup Beachman has just unveiled its latest electric two-wheeler, the ’64, a vintage-styled electric motorcycle that looks like it rolled straight out of the 1960s. With throwback café racer design and a respectable top speed of 45 mph (72 km/h), it’s a slick little ride with a curious twist: it calls itself an e-bike.

It’s not just a casual reference, but it’s baked into the name. The full model name on Beachman’s website is the ’64 E-Bike.

While I’d generally be inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt, since many motorcyclists refer to electric motorcycles as “e-bikes” and the term has a broad definition in colloquial usage, the company is obviously casting more in the “electric bicycle” end of the spectrum. They even say on their website that it is “rideable as either a Class II E-Bike or a Registered Moped (in most states).”

Despite lacking pedals entirely – and clearly designed more like a lightweight electric motorcycle – the Beachman ’64 comes with a selectable “E-Bike Mode” that limits it to 20 mph (32 km/h). The implication? That riders can use this obvious motorcycle in bike lanes like a Class 2 e-bike. Legally speaking, that’s a stretch, to put it mildly. In fact, I’m not currently aware of any state where that’s explicitly legal, though it could probably pass in many states due to the current state of enforcement we usually see.

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According to Beachman, the ’64 has three ride modes:

  • E-Bike Mode: 20 mph (32 km/h) top speed, which the company says is “perfect for bike lanes.”
  • Moped Mode: 30 mph (48 km/h) top speed, which does match legal definitions for mopeds in some jurisdictions, even without pedals.
  • Off-Road Mode: 45 mph (72 km/h) top speed, no pretense – just a motorcycle.

In practice, I don’t think it’s a stretch of the imagination to assume that most riders will likely keep it in Off-Road Mode, where the bike delivers its full 3,000W performance and offers the most fun. And specced with decently large batteries, it could actually do some modest commuting, even at higher speeds. The ’64 comes with a removable 2.88 kWh battery (or optional 3.6 kWh upgrade), and range is estimated at 55–70 miles, depending on configuration. It charges to 80% in three hours and even features regenerative braking.

The company leans heavily on its “timeless design” messaging, and to their credit, the ’64 nails the aesthetic. It looks great. The frame, tank, and seat all channel classic motorcycle vibes while skipping the modern digital overload – no apps or touchscreens here. Just a clean, simple throttle and some retro charm.

But for all the cool factor, the classification confusion raises eyebrows. Calling a 45 mph, pedal-less motorcycle an “e-bike” in any meaningful legal sense is a misfire. Some states allow low-speed mopeds in bike lanes, but others draw the line at motorized vehicles without pedals. The ’64 might get away with it in limited cases, but most jurisdictions will (rightfully) require it to be registered and insured as a motor vehicle. And it’s unclear if explaining to the officer, “But I had it in 20 mph mode…” will help much on the side of the road.

Still, Beachman is aiming at a particular rider who wants motorcycle style and speed without all the baggage. With a starting price of $4,800, the ’64 could be an appealing step-up for e-bike riders looking to graduate into something faster without committing to a full-sized gas bike.

Just don’t expect to blend in on the bike path.

Electrek’s Take

Look: The bike looks fantastic and probably rides well, but come on, it’s a 230 lb (105 kg) motorcycle.

Let’s stop calling every throttle-only EV an e-bike just because it’s got two wheels, a battery, and a button that neuters it to 20 mph. This has gotten silly. You built a great-looking bike. But it’s a bike in the way a motorcycle rider refers to his “bike.” It’s not a bicycle, and it’s not a bike lane vehicle any more than a Sur Ron is. At least not if you respect your fellow two-wheel riders around you.

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