Tesla Cybertruck
(Credit: Tesla)
The $7,500 federal EV tax credit is not long for this world, but there's still time to save.
President Trump made good on his campaign promise to eliminate the program by signing the Big Beautiful Bill into law last month. The bill sunsets the credit on Sept. 30, three months earlier than lawmakers had originally proposed.
The bill text says EVs must be "placed in service" by Sept. 30 to claim the credit, which was interpreted to mean you had to take ownership of the vehicle by then. However, guidance issued by the IRS on Aug. 21 says people only need to have a "written binding contract in place and a payment made" by Sept. 30 to claim the credit.
That simplifies things for shoppers since automakers like Tesla and Acura sell their electric cars online, with varying delivery timelines. EV buyers must get "a time of sale report from the dealer" within three days of receiving the car. They should receive the credit when they purchase the car, which they'll report on their taxes next year.
One last thing to check before you buy: Does your income qualify for the credit? You must make below $150,000 for an individual, $225,000 for head of household, and $300,000 for married or jointly filing. This aims to prevent federal funds from going to those who don't need them.
If you do qualify, here are the models you might want to consider—immediately.
Cars That Gained and Lost Eligibility in 2025
The list of vehicles eligible for the credit changes every year based on whether they are manufactured domestically and made up of a certain percentage of domestic materials. A vehicle you previously heard qualifies may not anymore, and vice versa.
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There were some big new additions for 2025, including the Tesla Cybertruck, Kia EV6, Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Genesis Electrified GV70, and Cadillac Vistiq. The Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 are among the only 3-row electric SUVs on the market, besides the more expensive Rivian R1S. For the first time, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 also qualified, if you're interested in a smaller, more affordable, 5-seat SUV.
Both Hyundai EVs have a built-in Tesla NACS charge port, so they can power up at Superchargers without an adapter. The extra bit of convenience is a nice-to-have for road trips and public charging.
As for subtractions to the list, we said goodbye to the Rivian R1T, Rivian R1S, Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen ID.4, and Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV.
But all these brands still have momentum. The Nissan Leaf has been fully redesigned for the 2026 model year. Rivian received a $6.6 billion government loan to complete production of its Georgia plant, where it will build the $45,000 R2. The new-and-improved Chevy Bolt will arrive later this year, Electrek reports. If you are interested in buying a used model, it could qualify for the $4,000 credit for pre-owned models.
Finally, the 2025 list massacred the stable of eligible plug-in hybrids. Only the Chrysler Pacifica remained, while the Audi Q5, Ford Escape, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring all dropped off.
EVs That Qualify for the $7,500 Credit
Acura ZDX (2024-2025)
Cadillac Lyriq (2024-2026)
Cadillac Optiq (2025-2026)
Cadillac Vistiq (2026)
Chevrolet Blazer (2024-2026)
Chevrolet Equinox (2024-2026)
Chevrolet Silverado (2025-2026)
Ford F-150 Lightning (2023-2024), Flash, Lariat, & XLT Trims
Genesis Electrified GV70 (2026)
GMC Sierra EV (2026)
Honda Prologue (2024-2025)
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2025)
Hyundai Ioniq 9 (2026)
Jeep Wagoneer S (2025)
Kia EV6 (2026)
Kia EV9 (2026)
Tesla Cybertruck (2025), Dual Motor, Single Motor, Long Range
Tesla Model 3 (2025), Long Range All-Wheel Drive, Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, Performance
Tesla Model X (2025), All-Wheel Drive
Tesla Model Y (2025-2026), Long Range All-Wheel Drive, Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, Performance
PHEVs That Qualify for the $7,500 Credit
Chrysler Pacifica (2024-2025)
See more details and the government-published list at fueleconomy.gov. Select Jan. 1, 2025 - Sept. 30, 2025, under delivery date.
About Our Expert
As a news and features writer at PCMag, I cover the biggest tech trends that shape the way we live and work. I specialize in on-the-ground reporting, uncovering stories from the people who are at the center of change—whether that’s the CEO of a high-valued startup or an everyday person taking on Big Tech. I also cover daily tech news and breaking stories, contextualizing them so you get the full picture.
I came to journalism from a previous career working in Big Tech on the West Coast. That experience gave me an up-close view of how software works and how business strategies shift over time. Now that I have my master's in journalism from Northwestern University, I couple my insider knowledge and reporting chops to help answer the big question: Where is this all going?
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