IRS Expands Electric Vehicle Tax Credit to 30 Cars, Including 3 Porsche Models

Environmentally-conscious taxpayers can now choose from a wider variety of vehicles powered solely or partially by electric power, including a new all-electric model by Tesla. In addition to the ecological benefits, purchasers of “plug-in vehicles” may also benefit from a generous tax credit, authorized by Section 30D of the tax code. The IRS recently updated the list of vehicles eligible for the credit.

The 30D credit, which is claimed on Form 8936 (Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit), is equal to the sum of (1) $2,500 plus (2) for a vehicle that draws propulsion energy from a battery with not less than five kw hours of capacity, $417 for each kw hour of capacity in excess of 5 kw hours, not to exceed $5,000. Thus, the maximum plug-in vehicle credit is $7,500, regardless of weight.

[This is the first in an ongoing series of articles on income tax credits and deductions. Our tax expert, Ken Berry, J.D., will continue to explore new and expanded tax breaks throughout the summer months.]

To qualify for the credit, the following basic requirements must be met:

The motor vehicle with at least four wheels must be manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads and highways (not including a vehicle operated exclusively on a rail or rails). For example, golf carts don’t qualify.

The vehicle is treated as a motor vehicle for purposes of Title II of the Clean Air Act. This requirement effectively bars certain low-speed motor vehicles from the credit.

The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 14,000 pounds.

The vehicle is propelled to a significant extent by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery that has a capacity of at least 4 kilowatt (kw) hours and is capable of being recharged from an external source of electricity.

The vehicle is used predominantly in the U.S.

The taxpayer is the original user of the vehicle. He or she must have acquired it for use or lease and not for resale.

The credit begins to phase out for a manufacturer’s vehicles when at least 200,000 qualifying vehicles have been sold for use in the U.S.

The IRS periodically updates the list of plug-in vehicles that are eligible for the credit. As complied by tax publisher Thomson Reuters, the following reflects the credit amounts for qualified vehicles manufactured by well-known companies, based on the latest data provided by IRS. Model years are in parentheses.

Audi A3 e-tron (2016), $4,502
BMW i3 Sedan with Ranger Extender (2014—2016), $7,500
BMW i3 Sedan (2014—2016), $7,500
BMW i8 (2014—2016), $3,793
BMW X5 40e (2016), $4,668
BMW 330e (2016), $4,001
Chrysler Group, Fiat 500e (2013—2015), $7,500
FCA North American Holdings, Fiat 500e (2016), $7,500
Ford Focus Electric (2012—2016), $7,500
Ford C-MAX Energi (2013—2016), $4,007
Ford Fusion Energi (2013—2017), $4,007
General Motors Cadillac ELR (2014, 2016), $7,500
General Motors Chevrolet Volt (2011—2017), $7,500
General Motors Chevrolet Spark EV (2014—2016), $7,500
Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (2016), $4,919
Kia Soul Electric (2016), $7,500
Mercedes-Benz smart Coupe/Cabrio EV (2013—2016), $7,500
Mercedes-Benz B-Class EV (2014—2016), $7,500
Mercedes S550e PHEV (2015—2016), $4,042.90
Mitsubishi i-MiEV [Electric Vehicle] (2012, 2014, 2016), $7,500
Nissan Leaf (2011—2016), $7,500
Porsche 918 Spyder (2015), $3,667
Porsche Panamera S E Hybrid (2014–2015), $4,751.80
Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid (2015), $5,335.60
Tesla Roadster (2008—2011), $7,500
Tesla Model S Vehicle (2012—2016), $7,500
Toyota Prius Plug-in Electic Drive Vehicle (2012—2015), $2,500
Toyota RAV4 EV (2012—2014), $7,500
Volkswagen e-Golf (2015—2016), $7,500
Volvo XC-90 T8 Twin Engine Plug in Hybrid (2016), $4,585

Are any of your clients contemplating the purchase of a Tesla or one of these other models? Pass along this valuable information.

Income Tax