Verdict: Misleading
This used to be one of the biggest reasons to buy an EV -- but the rules changed, so the answer is now "it depends." The federal Clean Vehicle Credit of up to $7,500 for a new EV (and $4,000 for a used one) was repealed and ended for any vehicle purchased after September 30, 2025.
This used to be one of the biggest reasons to buy an EV -- but the rules changed, so the answer is now "it depends." The federal Clean Vehicle Credit of up to $7,500 for a new EV (and $4,000 for a used one) was repealed and ended for any vehicle purchased after September 30, 2025. So if a salesperson tells you the EV comes with a $7,500 federal credit today, they're working off an old script.
The good news is that plenty of money is still on the table -- just not from the IRS. Many states offer their own rebates worth a few thousand dollars, and lots of utility companies will pay you $500 to $1,500 just for owning an EV and charging during off-peak hours. (The federal home-charger credit, 30C, ended June 30, 2026 -- though a charger installed by that date can still be claimed on that year's return with IRS Form 8911.) It's a patchwork that changes by ZIP code and by month, so the move is to check exactly what your state, city, and utility offer where you live before you buy.
The federal credit is gone, but plenty of state and utility money is still on the table. It changes by state, so check yours.
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