If you’ve been considering an electric vehicle (EV), now is the time to act. As we shared in our earlier post, federal EV tax credits are set to expire after September 30, 2025 ; waiting  could mean forgoing thousands of dollars in savings.

This follow-up covers what you need to know about federal EV incentives, which vehicles qualify, how to lock in your savings—even if you haven’t taken delivery—and how to maximize your benefits with state and local incentives.

Federal EV Incentives: Up to $7,500 Available Through September 30, 2025

Through the Inflation Reduction Act, buyers of new and used electric vehicles may still be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to:

You can choose to either:

  • Claim the credit when you file your federal taxes, or

  • Transfer the credit to a participating dealership and get an immediate discount at the time of purchase

Leased EVs have also qualified for the $7,500 benefit when the dealer passes the savings through to the customer. However, this option will also end after September 30, 2025.

What You Need to Do to Qualify

To lock in the federal incentive, you must:

  • Sign a purchase or lease agreement with a down payment by September 30, 2025

  • You do not need to take delivery of the vehicle by that date. A signed contract and deposit are sufficient to establish eligibility.

  • Your income must fall below specific IRS thresholds

Vehicles Currently Eligible for the Full $7,500 Credit

Here are some of the EVs currently eligible for the full federal incentive (as of the latest update):

  • Acura: ZDX

  • Cadillac: Lyriq, Optiq, Vistiq

  • Chevrolet: Blazer, Equinox, Silverado

  • Chrysler: Pacifica PHEV

  • Ford: F-150 Lightning (FLASH, LARIAT, XLT trims)

  • Genesis: GV70

  • GMC: Sierra EV

  • Honda: Prologue

  • Hyundai: Ioniq 5, Ioniq 9

  • Jeep: Wagoneer S

  • Kia: EV6, EV9

  • Tesla: Cybertruck, Model 3, Model Y

To confirm a vehicle’s eligibility, visit Plug In America for the latest updates and tools.

How to Maximize Your Savings with State and Local Incentives

On top of the federal incentive, many buyers also qualify for state, local, and utility incentives that can significantly boost total savings.

These benefits may include:

  • Additional cash rebates

  • Utility bill discounts

  • Free or discounted home charger installations

  • Reduced registration or smog fees

To see exactly which perks you qualify for, use the Electric for All ZIP Code Incentive Tool. Just enter your ZIP code to view personalized incentives, rebates, and programs available in your area.

Important:
Even if you can’t take delivery by September 30, 2025, you may still qualify.
You just need to order or sign a contract and make a down payment by that deadline to lock in your incentives.

Charging Access Is Better Than Ever

Most EV owners charge at home, but public charging access is rapidly expanding, especially along major travel corridors.

Thanks to a court ruling, nearly $1 billion in NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) funds will be released, accelerating the installation of fast chargers across 14 states.

Apps like PlugShare help you locate charging stations and plan long-distance trips with ease.

Ready to Make the Switch?

With incentives ending soon, now is the perfect time to take the next step toward driving electric. Whether you’re interested in purchasing or leasing, acting before September 30, 2025 could save you thousands.

Here’s how to get started: