No. The federal clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 is not available for new electric vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025, according to the IRS. The used EV credit of up to $4,000 ended on the same date. If you buy or lease an EV in 2026, there's no federal purchase credit to claim.
The one exception: buyers who signed a binding contract and made a payment by September 30, 2025, but took delivery later, may still qualify.
What happened to the EV tax credit?
| Credit | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New clean vehicle credit (30D) | Up to $7,500 | Ended for vehicles acquired after Sept. 30, 2025 |
| Used clean vehicle credit (25E) | 30% of price, up to $4,000 | Ended for vehicles acquired after Sept. 30, 2025 |
The IRS says both credits are "not available for vehicles acquired after Sept. 30, 2025."
Can I still claim it if I ordered before the deadline?
Possibly. The IRS rule is about when you acquired the car, not when you got the keys:
- You must have entered a binding written contract and made a payment on or before September 30, 2025.
- You can take delivery (the IRS calls it "placed in service") after that date and still qualify.
If that's you, claim it on IRS Form 8936 for the tax year you took delivery.
What were the rules, for anyone claiming it?
New EVs:
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Income (joint filers) | $300,000 |
| Income (head of household) | $225,000 |
| Income (other filers) | $150,000 |
| Price cap: vans, SUVs, pickups | $80,000 |
| Price cap: other vehicles | $55,000 |
| Battery | At least 7 kWh |
| Assembly | Final assembly in North America |
Used EVs: price of $25,000 or less from a licensed dealer, model year at least two years old, income limits of $150,000 joint, $112,500 head of household and $75,000 other.
What incentives are left in 2026?
- State and local rebates. Some states, cities and utilities still offer EV or home-charger rebates.
- Utility charging rates. Many utilities offer cheaper overnight electricity for EV owners.
- Automaker deals. Discounts and lease offers have partly replaced the credit. Kelley Blue Book says EV incentives averaged 11% of the price in September 2026, more than gas cars but the lowest level this year. See the latest new car and EV prices.
How did the end of the credit affect EV sales?
Buyers rushed to beat the deadline, making Q3 2025 a record quarter. A year later, Cox Automotive estimates Q3 2026 EV sales fell 39.5% from that peak but rose 6.1% from the previous quarter. Details in our Q3 2026 EV sales breakdown.
This article is general information, not tax advice. Check with a tax professional about your situation.
