Capture the EV Tax Credit: Last Chance Before 2025!

Heads-Up Alert: For those considering an electric vehicle purchase—be it individual, used, or part of a commercial fleet—it's time to make an informed decision. The substantial federal tax credits, which could significantly offset your costs, expire on September 30, 2025. Here's how you can still capitalize on them.

Impending Changes and Their Significance

Due to the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which truncates the duration of IRA-era EV tax incentives, the previously assured credits through 2032 will now abruptly end on September 30, 2025. There will be no phased reduction, no extensions, and no exceptions for late deliveries.

This translates to:

  • New EV credit: Up to $7,500

  • Used EV credit: Up to $4,000

  • Commercial EV credit: Range of $7,500 to $40,000, based on vehicle classification & weight 

Critical Deadlines and Acquisition Clarification

Eligibility hinges on actually taking possession of the EV by September 30, 2025. Contracts or delivery plans over this timeline are non-qualifying.

EV Leasing Dynamics
Within leasing agreements, the tax credit goes to the entity offering the lease—the automaker or dealer—who might pass this on through lower lease terms. Until September 30, this "leasing loophole" ensures full >$7,500 credit even for models unfit under different purchase conditions. Post cut-off, such terms lapse. 

Essential Actions for Dealers and Consumers

  • Take action promptly: For interested buyers, verify vehicle availability or assure delivery in good time before the deadline.

  • Credit transfer options: You can transfer the credit at purchase to enjoy immediate discounts or reclaim it later by filing IRS Form 8936

  • Eligibility specifics:

    ○    New EVs: Must satisfy production, assembly criteria, capped prices ($55K for cars, $80K for SUVs/vans/trucks), and income thresholds (individual: $150K, head of household: $225K, married filing jointly: $300K).

    ○    Used EVs: Must be two years old minimum, sold by a dealer, priced at $25K max; credit capped at lesser of $4K or 30% of transaction price.

    ○    Commercial EVs: Business application, credit up to $40K depending on vehicle weight; income limitations don’t apply.

Market Outlook & Timing Strategy

Experts project a significant increase in EV acquisitions as the deadline approaches, potentially followed by a market dip. Projections by a Harvard study suggest a 6% drop in EV market penetration by 2030, although the legislation is expected to save the government $169 billion over ten years. (Reuters)

Despite this, quick decisions before the deadline can still yield substantial financial benefits. However, advancing with strategic timing is crucial.

Quick Guide

Credit Type

Amount

Eligibility

Deadline

New EV (individual)

Up to $7,500

Meets production, assembly, price, income rules

Possession by Sep 30, 2025

Used EV

Up to $4,000 (or 30%)

At least two years old, ≤ $25K

As above

Commercial EV

Up to $40,000

Business use, weight criteria

As above

Leasing terms

Up to $7,500

Ends post Sep 30

As detailed above

Final Note: Be Proactive

For prospective EV buyers, this is the opportune moment to confirm orders, ensure delivery timelines, and validate credit eligibility. Collaborate with your tax advisor to optimize these advantages. The expiry date is immovable.

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .