Financial News
New Tax Credit Affects Top-Selling EVs
In a win for Democrats, the Inflation Reduction Act passed the Senate and will likely pass the House. If all goes as planned, President Biden might sign the bill in two weeks.
For the auto sector, the proposal expands the $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs by removing the 200,000-vehicle cap.
While it sounds excellent for automakers, new requirements mean 70% of EVs and PHEVs won’t qualify for the credit.
72 EV models are currently available in the U.S., including battery, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles, says John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group that includes GM, Toyota, and Ford. 70% of EVs would be disqualified when the measure passes, and none would qualify for the entire credit when further sourcing restrictions take effect. Zero.”
These changes will make EV tax incentives more restrictive:
North America must finish assembly.
Car MSRP must be below $55,000, and trucks and SUVs below $80,000.
The U.S. or free-trade partners must supply battery materials by 2024.
In less than two years, the last battery sourcing component will mean no EVs qualify for the credit, says Bozzella. The plan imposes consumer income criteria that will make many high-earning Americans and joint filers ineligible for tax advantages.
The Automotive Alliance for Innovation lists all zero-emission EVs and PHEVs on sale in America, as well as EV and battery producers.
Yahoo Finance has verified how the top 5 EVs and PHEVs in America will fare under the new guidelines.
Models 3 and Y
Following enactment, both U.S.-made Model 3 cars and Model Y SUVs, the best selling EVs in America, would qualify for the tax credit, a benefit for Tesla given the credit is currently being phased out. Registration data is used as a proxy for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y sales.
Only the $46,990 Model 3 RWD qualifies. Assuming the Model Y is an SUV, both versions qualify (Long Range – $65,990; Performance – $69,990).
Mach-E
Ford Mustang Mach-E finished second in EV/PHEV sales last quarter with 10,941 units. The $43,895 base Mach-E might qualify as a vehicle or SUV, and because it’s produced in Mexico, it would qualify for the tax credit.
Jeep 4xE
Last quarter, 10,861 Wrangler 4xE plug-in hybrids were sold. With a starting MSRP of $54,595, it would qualify for the tax credit because it’s built at Jeep’s Toledo, Ohio plant.
Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ5
The all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 sold 7,448 units in the second quarter, and Kia’s EV6 EV sold 7,287. The IONIQ 5 and Kia EV 6 are constructed in South Korea, so they don’t qualify for the tax credit. This is a hit for Hyundai as the IONIQ 5 and EV6 have been hailed by reviewers and start at $39,950 and $33,900 respectively. The affordable MSRPs may still make both feasible options for many Americans despite loss of the credit.
Bolt EV/EUV
GM’s Bolt EV and Bolt EUV sold 6,945 units last quarter. With a starting price of $25,600, it’s the cheapest pure electric vehicle on the market, and final assembly will take place at GM’s Orion factory in Michigan.
Audi e-tron, Polestar 2
Popular cars including the Audi e-tron, Lucid Air, Polestar 2 sedan, and Porsche Taycan that currently qualify for the federal tax credit will not if the bill is enacted into law.
Manufacturers may no longer need incentives, so all is not lost.
Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, told Yahoo Finance, “By the time vehicle makers can take full credit for the legislation, the market will be ready to accept electric vehicles and the incentives will no longer be necessary.” Without incentives, the buyer’s pricing won’t alter much. These incentives boost prices and boost manufacturing profits.
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