The federal government has recently made changes to the tax credits available for buyers of electric vehicles. Unfortunately, the news is a mix of good and bad. As of December 31st, there are now only 14 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) that qualify for the federal purchase tax credit, which can be as much as $7,500. This is a significant decrease from the previous number of 35 models.
However, there are still several popular electric vehicles that remain eligible for the tax credit. These include certain versions of the General Motors Chevy Bolt, Ford Motor F-150 Lightning, and Tesla models such as the Model 3, Model Y, and Model X. Additionally, the Rivian Automotive R1S and R1T are also on the list of qualifying vehicles.
To check if a specific vehicle qualifies for the tax credit, you can search the complete list provided by the government.
Unfortunately, several well-known electric vehicle models no longer qualify for the tax credit. Vehicles such as the Ford Mustang Mach E, Ford E-Transit, Cadillac LYRIQ, Chevy Blazer, Equinox, and Silverado, as well as the Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID.4, have all been removed from the list. Even some Tesla models, including the standard-range Model 3, long-range Model Y, and the highly anticipated Cybertruck, are no longer eligible.
Interestingly, the Cybertruck would have qualified if it had been put in service in 2023. However, there are certain price and income limitations for claiming the credit. The vehicle must sell for less than $80,000, and a household cannot have an annual income exceeding $300,000. Initial deliveries of the Cybertruck exceeded the price limit, and it is likely that many early buyers also surpassed the income limit.
It's important to note that these qualification cuts are not due to changes in vehicle price or income limitations. Instead, they relate to the sourcing of battery materials and manufacturing. Starting in 2024, at least 50% of the raw materials used in vehicle batteries must come from approved countries. Unfortunately, China, which produces most of the battery materials, is not on the approved list. This appears to be the main reason why many vehicles lost their eligibility for the tax credit.
Overall, while there have been reductions in the number of electric vehicles qualifying for federal tax credits, there are still several options available for those interested in purchasing an electric vehicle.
EV Tax Credits and Their Impact on the Market
The recent changes to the regulations surrounding electric vehicle (EV) tax credits have sparked a lot of interest in the market. One key requirement focuses on where battery components are assembled. While some EV manufacturers, like Rivian, meet the criteria for raw materials, they fall short in terms of component assembly. Consequently, Rivian vehicles receive only 50% of the credit, amounting to $3,750 per vehicle.
However, despite the loss of this discount, there are still positive elements for buyers. They now have the option to claim the credit directly from the dealer, eliminating the need to wait until tax returns are filed. This convenient process makes pricing an EV much simpler. There is an additional paperwork involved to facilitate the transfer of credit from the buyer to the dealer.
Investors were already anticipating these changes, so their impact on EV manufacturers' shares might be limited in early 2024 trading.
In Tuesday's trading session, Ford shares rose by 0.7%, while GM stock saw a 1.1% increase. Rivian shares experienced a decline of 10.4%, despite the company reporting better-than-expected production results. Tesla shares remained unchanged after the company announced impressive delivery results. On the other hand, Volkswagen shares saw an increase in overseas trading. As for the broader market, both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite started the year on a slightly lower note.
The structure of the tax credits aims to encourage battery materials and component manufacturing to return to the U.S. Although progress is gradual, the strategy seems to be effective. Building new plants takes time, but with the incentives in place, it is foreseeable that manufacturers will increase local production. The ultimate goal of these credits is to reduce the cost of purchasing an EV, bringing it more in line with traditional vehicles. While current battery costs still exceed those of a gasoline engine and fuel tank, it is worth noting that battery costs are steadily declining. Therefore, the need for the tax credit may not be permanent.
As for when the government will reassess this policy, only time will tell.
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