By Keith Barry | Consumer Reports
Some new and used electric cars may be getting more affordable for consumers thanks to new tax credits, but details in the fine print are causing confusion about which new vehicles might qualify for immediate savings.
As part of a broad new legislative package—the Inflation Reduction Act—that addresses climate change, healthcare, and taxes, there is a new tax credit of up to $4,000 on used electric cars and revised tax credits of up to $7,500 on certain new EVs.
But due to numerous new rules about where new EVs must be built and their batteries sourced, automakers argue that too few vehicles qualify, and EV advocates are concerned that the requirements may make it difficult for consumers to find a vehicle that qualifies for the credits.
“If you’re interested in an EV or a plug-in hybrid and it qualifies for a tax credit today, don’t wait, because it might not qualify next year. But if you’re considering a used EV, it might be worth waiting,” says Jake Fisher, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center.
