Are you considering purchasing an electric vehicle and wondering about potential tax credits? From 2010 to 2022, the U.S. government offered a significant incentive for those investing in new, qualified plug-in electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative, under Internal Revenue Code Section 30D, provided tax credits up to $7,500, aiming to encourage the adoption of cleaner transportation options – what we might call “Ocean Car Models” for their contribution to a healthier planet.
This guide, tailored for the English-speaking market, delves into the specifics of this tax credit, outlining the vehicles that qualified between 2010 and 2022. Understanding these past incentives can provide valuable context as you consider current and future EV purchases. While the landscape of electric vehicle tax credits is always evolving, this information serves as a crucial reference point.
The manufacturers listed below have officially confirmed that the vehicles included met the criteria for this credit, and the IRS has acknowledged their eligibility and the corresponding credit amounts. It’s important to note that for some manufacturers, the credits may have been phased out after they reached a sales milestone of 200,000 qualifying vehicles in the United States post-2009. For detailed phase-out information, please refer to IRS Notice 2009-89.
Important Note for 2022 Purchases (August 17 – December 31, 2022):
For vehicles bought between August 17 and December 31, 2022, an additional requirement was in place: final assembly had to be completed in North America to qualify for the tax credit. To verify if a specific vehicle met this North American final assembly condition, you would need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and use the VIN Decoder tool available on the Department of Energy’s Electric Vehicles with Final Assembly in North America page.
For those interested in vehicles purchased in 2023 or later, the qualification process is governed by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which introduced a different set of rules and procedures.
Index to Manufacturers
To help you navigate this comprehensive list, we’ve indexed the manufacturers alphabetically. Simply click on a manufacturer’s name to jump directly to their eligible models.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2014 |
Accord Plug-In Hybrid |
$3,626 |
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
Clarity Plug-In Hybrid |
$7,500 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2012 |
AMP GCE Electric Vehicle |
$7,500 |
2012 |
AMP MLE Electric Vehicle |
$7,500 |
Audi, a leader in automotive innovation, offered a range of “ocean car models” that qualified for the electric vehicle tax credit, reflecting their commitment to sustainable driving.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2022, 2023 |
Audi e-tron GT (e-tron GT/RS e-tron GT models) |
$7,500 |
2022 |
Audi e-tron S (standard and Sportback models) |
$7,500 |
2022 |
Audi Q4 50 e-tron quattro (standard and Sportback models) |
$7,500 |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
Audi e-tron Sportback |
$7,500 |
2019, 2021, 2022 |
Audi e-tron |
$7,500 |
2016, 2017, 2018 |
Audi A3 e-tron |
$4,502 |
2016 |
Audi A3 e-tron ultra |
$4,502 |
2021 |
Audi A7 55 TFSI e Quattro |
$6,712 |
2022 |
Audi A7 TFSI e Quattro |
$7,500 |
2020 |
Audi A8L PHEV |
$6,712 |
2021 |
Audi A8 L 60 TFSI e Quattro |
$6,712 |
2020 |
Audi_Q5 PHEV |
$6,712 |
2021 |
Audi Q5 55 TFSI e Quattro |
$6,712 |
2022, 2023 |
Audi Q5 TFSI e Quattro |
$7,500 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2011, 2012 |
Azure Dynamics Transit Connect Electric Vehicle |
$7,500 |
BMW’s commitment to electric mobility is evident in their diverse range of “ocean car models” that qualified for the tax credit, blending luxury with sustainability.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
BMW i3 Sedan |
$7,500 |
2017 |
BMW i3 (60Ah) Sedan |
$7,500 |
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
BMW i3 Sedan with Range Extender |
$7,500 |
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
BMW i3s Sedan |
$7,500 |
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
BMW i3s Sedan with Range Extender |
$7,500 |
2022, 2023 |
BMW i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe |
$7,500 |
2022, 2023 |
BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe |
$7,500 |
2023 |
BMW i7 xDrive60 |
$7,500 |
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
BMW i8 |
$3,793 |
2019, 2020 |
BMW i8 Coupe |
$5,669 |
2019, 2020 |
BMW i8 Roadster |
$5,669 |
2023 |
BMW iX M60 |
$7,500 |
2022, 2023 |
BMW iX xDrive50 |
$7,500 |
2020, 2021 |
BMW X3 xDrive30e |
$5,836 |
2016, 2017, 2018 |
BMW X5 xDrive40e |
$4,668 |
2021, 2022, 2023 |
BMW X5 xDrive45e |
$7,500 |
2016, 2017, 2018 |
BMW 330e |
$4,001 |
2021, 2022, 2023 |
BMW 330e |
$5,836 |
2021, 2022, 2023 |
BMW 330e xDrive |
$5,836 |
2018, 2019 |
BMW 530e |
$4,668 |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
BMW 530e |
$5,836 |
2018, 2019 |
BMW 530e xDrive |
$4,668 |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
BMW 530e xDrive |
$5,836 |
2017 |
BMW 740e |
$4,668 |
2018, 2019 |
BMW 740e xDrive |
$4,668 |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
BMW 745e xDrive |
$5,836 |
Bentley entered the electric vehicle space with “ocean car models” that deliver both luxury and a step towards sustainable mobility, qualifying for the federal tax credit.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2020, 2021 |
Bentayga Hybrid SUV |
$7,500 |
2022 |
Flying Spur Hybrid |
$7,500 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2013 |
Boulder Electric Delivery Van DV-500 |
$7,500 |
2013 |
Boulder Electric Shuttle DV500 |
$7,500 |
2013 |
Boulder Electric Flat Bed DV-500 |
$7,500 |
2013 |
Boulder Electric Service Body DV-500 |
$7,500 |
BYD’s electric vehicles, contributing to the “ocean car model” movement, were recognized for their role in advancing electric mobility and were eligible for tax credits.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
BYD e6 Electric Vehicle |
$7,500 |
Canoo’s innovative approach to electric vehicles positions their models as forward-thinking “ocean car models,” aligning with the vision of sustainable transportation.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2023 |
Lifestyle Deliver Vehicle |
$7,500 |
2023 |
Lifestyle Vehicle Base |
$7,500 |
2023 |
Lifestyle Vehicle Adventure |
$7,500 |
2023 |
Lifestyle Vehicle Premium |
$7,500 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2010, 2012 |
CODA Sedan (Electric Vehicle Manufactured by CODA Automotive Inc.) |
$7,500 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2022 |
ELMS Urban Delivery |
$7,500 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2010 |
EMC Model E36 7 Passenger Wagon (Electric Vehicle Manufactured by Electric Mobile Cars) |
$7,500 |
2010 |
EMC Model E36t Pick-up Truck (Electric Vehicle Manufactured by Electric Mobile Cars) |
$7,500 |
2010 |
EMC Model E36v Utility Van (Electric Vehicle Manufactured by Electric Mobile Cars) |
$7,500 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2011, 2012 |
Electric Vehicles International (EVI) EVI-MD (Medium Duty) Electric truck |
$7,500 |
2011, 2012 |
Electric Vehicles International (EVI) EVI-WI (Walk-In) Electric truck |
$7,500 |
Even Ferrari, known for performance, has embraced the “ocean car model” concept with plug-in hybrids that qualified for tax credits, blending power with a nod to sustainability.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2022 |
296 GTB |
$3,334 |
2020, 2021 |
SF90 Stradale |
$3,501 |
FCA’s range of plug-in hybrids and EVs demonstrates their contribution to the “ocean car model” movement, offering consumers more eco-conscious vehicle options with tax credit benefits.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
Fiat 500e |
$7,500 |
2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
Chrysler Pacifica PHEV |
$7,500 |
2021, 2022, 2023 |
Jeep Wrangler PHEV |
$7,500 |
2022, 2023 |
Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV |
$7,500 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2012 |
Fisker Karma Sedan |
$7,500 |
The Fisker Ocean directly embodies the “ocean car model” ethos, designed with sustainability in mind and qualifying for the full tax credit, making it a compelling choice for eco-conscious drivers.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2023 |
Fisker Ocean (Trim Levels One, Extreme, Ultra and Sport) |
$7,500 |
Ford, a major player in the automotive industry, has contributed significantly to the “ocean car model” transition. While their credits have phased out due to high sales volume, their earlier models played a crucial role in EV adoption.
The credit for qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles sold before 2023 is subject to a phaseout (reduction) once the vehicle manufacturer (or, for a foreign manufacturer, its U.S. distributor) sells 200,000 of these vehicles to a retailer for use in the United States after 2009. The phaseout begins in the second quarter after the quarter in which the 200,000th vehicle was sold. Then the phaseout allows 50% of the full credit for 2 quarters, 25% of the full credit for 2 additional quarters, and no credit thereafter. Section 4.07 of Notice 2009-89 provides that a vehicle is not “acquired” before the date on which title passes under state law. The phaseout does not apply to vehicles sold after 2022.
Qualifying Vehicle |
Credit available for vehicles acquired through 12/31/2022 |
Ford Focus Electric 2012-2018 |
$7,500.00 |
Ford Fusion Energi 2013-2018 |
$4,007.00 |
Ford Fusion Energi 2019-2020 |
$4,609.00 |
Ford C-Max Energi 2013-2017 |
$4,007.00 |
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring 2020-2023 |
$6,534.00 |
Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid 2020-2022 |
$6,843.00 |
Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid 2023 |
$6,885.00 |
Lincoln Corsair Reserve Grand Touring 2021-2022 |
$6,843.00 |
Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring 2023 |
$6,885.00 |
Ford Mustang Mach-E First Edition Premium AWD 2021 |
$7,500.00 |
Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 (AWD and RWD Models) 2021, 2022, 2023 |
$7,500.00 |
Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium (AWD and RWD Models) 2021, 2022, 2023 |
$7,500.00 |
Ford Mustang Mach-E Select (AWD and RWD Models) 2021, 2022, 2023 |
$7,500.00 |
Ford Mustang Mach-E GT 2021, 2022, 2023 |
$7,500.00 |
E-Transit 2022 |
$7,500.00 |
F-150 Lightning (Standard Range, Extended Range) 2022, 2023 |
$7,500.00 |
General Motors, another automotive giant, has also played a significant role in the “ocean car model” movement. Like Ford, their tax credits have phased out, but their early contributions were vital to the growth of the EV market.
The credit for qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles sold before 2023 is subject to a phaseout (reduction) once the vehicle manufacturer (or, for a foreign manufacturer, its U.S. distributor) sells 200,000 of these vehicles to a retailer for use in the United States after 2009. The phaseout begins in the second quarter after the quarter in which the 200,000th vehicle was sold. Then the phaseout allows 50% of the full credit for 2 quarters, 25% of the full credit for 2 additional quarters, and no credit thereafter. Section 4.07 of Notice 2009-89 provides that a vehicle is not “acquired” before the date on which title passes under state law. The phaseout does not apply to vehicles sold after 2022.
Qualifying Vehicle |
Credit available for vehicles acquired through 3/31/2019 |
Credit available for vehicles acquired 4/1/2019 through 9/30/2019 |
Credit available for vehicles acquired 10/1/2019 through 3/31/2020 |
Credit Available 4/1/2020 |
Chevrolet Bolt 2017-2019, 2020 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Chevrolet Volt 2011-2019 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Cadillac CT6 Plug-In 2017-2018 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Cadillac ELR 2014, 2016 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Chevrolet Spark EV 2014-2016 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Hyundai’s foray into “ocean car models” is marked by a range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that have made eco-friendly driving accessible to a wider audience, supported by tax credits.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle |
$4,919 |
2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
Ioniq Electric Battery Vehicle |
$7,500 |
2022 |
Ioniq 5 – 58 kWh |
$7,500 |
2022 |
Ioniq 5 Electric Battery Vehicle |
$7,500 |
2023 |
Ioniq 5 – 77.4kWh |
$7,500 |
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle |
$4,543 |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
Kona Electric Vehicle |
$7,500 |
2022, 2023 |
Tucson Plug-In Hybrid |
$6,587 |
2022, 2023 |
Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid |
$6,587 |
2023 |
Genesis GV60 |
$7,500 |
2022 |
Genesis G80 |
$7,500 |
Jaguar Land Rover’s entry into the electric and plug-in hybrid market with models like the I-Pace and Range Rover PHEV series showcases their commitment to “ocean car models” in the luxury SUV segment.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2019 |
Jaguar IPace (First Edition, HSE, SE, S models) |
$7,500 |
2020, 2021 |
Jaguar IPace (HSE, SE, S models) |
$7,500 |
2022, 2023 |
Jaguar IPace (HSE) |
$7,500 |
2019 |
Land Rover Range Rover PHEV (HSE) |
$7,087 |
2020, 2021 |
Land Rover Range Rover PHEV |
$6,295 |
2022 |
Land Rover Range Rover PHEV (HSE, Autobiography models) |
$6,295 |
2019 |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV (HSE) |
$7,087 |
2022 |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV (HSE) |
$6,295 |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV |
$6,295 |
2023 |
Land Rover Range Rover SE PHEV |
$7,500 |
2023 |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography PHEV |
$7,500 |
Kandi’s electric vehicles represent accessible options in the “ocean car model” category, contributing to the broader adoption of EVs and qualifying for the tax credit.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2019, 2020, 2021 |
Kandi EX3 |
$7,500 |
2019, 2020 |
Kandi K22 |
$7,500 |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
Kandi K23 |
$7,500 |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
Kandi K27 |
$7,500 |
Karma Automotive’s luxury EVs align with the “ocean car model” vision, offering high-performance electric vehicles that were eligible for the federal tax credit.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2021, 2022 |
GS-6 |
$7,500 |
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
Revero |
$7,500 |
Kia’s expanding lineup of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles positions them as a key contributor to the “ocean car model” movement, providing diverse and appealing options for consumers seeking eco-friendly cars.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
Soul Electric |
$7,500 |
2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
Optima Plug-In Hybrid |
$4,919 |
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
Niro Plug-In Hybrid |
$4,543 |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
Niro EV |
$7,500 |
2022 |
EV 6 (58 khw, 77.4 khw) |
$7,500 |
2022, 2023 |
Sorento Plug-In Hybrid |
$6,587 |
2023 |
Sportage PHEV |
$6,586.60 |
Lucid’s entry into the EV market with the Air models represents a leap forward in “ocean car models,” combining luxury, performance, and electric power, all while qualifying for the tax credit.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2022 |
Lucid Air Dream Edition |
$7,500 |
2022, 2023 |
Lucid Air Grand Touring |
$7,500 |
2023 |
Lucid Air Touring |
$7,500 |
2023 |
Lucid Air Pure |
$7,500 |
McLaren’s Artura Plug-In Hybrid marks their step into the “ocean car model” arena, bringing hybrid technology to their high-performance lineup, eligible for a tax credit.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2023 |
Artura Plug-In Hybrid |
$4,585 |
2022 |
Artura |
$4,585 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2022 |
Mazda MX-30 |
$7,500 |
Mercedes-Benz’s expanding electric lineup, including the EQS and EQB models, firmly places them within the “ocean car model” category, offering luxury EVs that qualified for the tax credit, reinforcing their commitment to a sustainable future.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2022 |
EQB350 4Matic |
$7,500 |
2022 |
EQB300 4Matic |
$7,500 |
2022 |
AMG EQS Sedan |
$7,500 |
2022 |
EQS 450+ |
$7,500 |
2023 |
EQS 450+ SUV |
$7,500 |
2023 |
EQS 450 4Matic SUV |
$7,500 |
2022 |
EQS 580 4Matic |
$7,500 |
2023 |
EQS 580 4Matic SUV |
$7,500 |
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
B-Class EV (B250e) |
$7,500 |
2015, 2016, 2017 |
S550e PHEV |
$4,460 (revised 1/24/2018) |
2016, 2017, 2018 |
GLE550e 4m PHEV |
$4,460 (revised 1/24/2018) |
2018, 2019 |
GLC350e 4M PHEV |
$4,460 |
2020 |
GLC350e 4M EQ |
$6,462 |
2020 |
S560e EQ PHEV |
$6,462 |
2016, 2017, 2018 |
C350e PHEV |
$3,501 (revised 1/24/2018) |
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
smart Coupe EV |
$7,500 |
2019 |
smart EQ Fortwo Coupe |
$7,500 |
2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 |
smart Cabrio EV |
$7,500 |
2019 |
smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio |
$7,500 |
MINI’s plug-in hybrid and electric models contribute to the “ocean car model” trend, offering fun-to-drive, compact EVs that were eligible for the tax credit, broadening the appeal of electric mobility.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2018, 2019 |
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 |
$4,001 |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 |
$5,002 |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
MINI Cooper S E Hardtop |
$7,500 |
Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV and i-MiEV represent their commitment to “ocean car models,” providing consumers with practical and efficient plug-in options that qualified for tax credits.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2012, 2014, 2016, 2017 |
i-MiEV [Electric Vehicle] |
$7,500 |
2018, 2019, 2020 |
Outlander PHEV |
$5,836 |
2021, 2022 |
Outlander PHEV |
$6,587 |
2023 |
Outlander PHEV |
$7,500 |
Nissan, with the LEAF and ARIYA, has been a pioneer in the “ocean car model” movement, offering accessible and popular electric vehicles that have significantly contributed to EV adoption and were supported by tax credits.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
Nissan LEAF |
$7,500 |
2023 |
Nissan LEAF S |
$7500 |
2023 |
Nissan LEAF SV Plus |
$7500 |
2023 |
ARIYA ENGAGE FWD |
$7500 |
2023 |
ARIYA EMPOWER+ FWD |
$7500 |
2023 |
ARIYA VENTURE+ FWD |
$7500 |
2023 |
ARIYA EVOLVE+ FWD |
$7500 |
2023 |
ARIYA PREMIERE FWD |
$7500 |
Polestar’s focus on electric performance vehicles positions them firmly in the “ocean car model” category, delivering stylish and powerful EVs that qualified for the federal tax credit.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2020, 2021 |
Polestar 1 |
$7,500 |
2021 |
Polestar 2 |
$7,500 |
2022, 2023 |
Polestar 2 – Long Range (single motor and dual motor) |
$7,500 |
Porsche, synonymous with high-performance, has embraced the “ocean car model” trend with plug-in hybrid and electric models like the Taycan and Cayenne e-Hybrid, blending спортивность with a move towards sustainability, all while being eligible for tax credits.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2015 |
918 Spyder |
$3,667 |
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
Cayenne S E-Hybrid |
$5,336 |
2019, 2020 |
Cayenne E-Hybrid |
$6,712 |
2021, 2022 |
Cayenne E-Hybrid |
$7,500 |
2020 |
Cayenne – E-Hybrid Coupe – Turbo S E-Hybrid – Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe |
$6,712 |
2021, 2022 |
Cayenne – E-Hybrid Coupe – Turbo S E-Hybrid – Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe |
$7,500 |
2014, 2015, 2016 |
Panamera S E-Hybrid |
$4,752 |
2022 |
Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo |
$7,500 |
2018 |
Panamera 4 PHEV: – 4 E-Hybrid – 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo – 4 E-Hybrid Executive – Turbo S E-Hybrid – Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive – Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo |
$6,670 |
2019, 2020 |
Panamera 4 PHEV: – 4 E-Hybrid – 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo – 4 E-Hybrid Executive – Turbo S E-Hybrid – Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive – Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo |
$6,712 |
2021 |
Panamera 4 PHEV: – 4 E-Hybrid – 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo – 4 S E-Hybrid – 4 S E-Hybrid Executive – 4 S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo – 4 E-Hybrid Executive – Turbo S E-Hybrid – Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive – Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo |
$7,500 |
2022 |
Panamera 4 PHEV: – 4 E-Hybrid – 4 E-Hybrid Executive – 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo – 4 S E-Hybrid – 4 S E-Hybrid Executive – 4 S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo – Turbo S E-Hybrid – Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive |
$7,500 |
2020 |
Taycan EV – 4S – Turbo – Turbo S |
$7,500 |
2021, 2022 |
Taycan EV – Taycan – 4 Cross Turismo – 4 S Cross Turismo – Turbo Cross Turismo – Turbo S Cross Turismo – 4 S – Turbo – Turbo S – GTS – GTS Sport Turismo |
$7,500 |
Rivian’s adventure-focused electric vehicles, the R1T and R1S, embody the spirit of “ocean car models,” designed for both on and off-road adventures with an electric powertrain, qualifying for the tax credit and appealing to environmentally conscious explorers.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2022, 2023 |
Rivian R1T |
$7,500 |
2022, 2023 |
Rivian R1S |
$7,500 |
2022, 2023 |
Rivian EDV 700 |
$7,500 |
See Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Subaru’s Crosstrek Hybrid and Solterra represent their step into the “ocean car model” category, offering reliable and versatile vehicles with electric capabilities, eligible for the tax credit and aligning with Subaru’s outdoor-oriented brand.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
Crosstrek Hybrid |
$4,502 |
2023 |
Solterra |
$7,500 |
Tesla, a driving force in the “ocean car model” revolution, has significantly shaped the electric vehicle market. While their tax credits have phased out due to their market leadership, their vehicles were instrumental in popularizing EVs.
The credit for qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles sold before 2023 is subject to a phaseout (reduction) once the vehicle manufacturer (or, for a foreign manufacturer, its U.S. distributor) sells 200,000 of these vehicles to a retailer for use in the United States after 2009. The phaseout begins in the second quarter after the quarter in which the 200,000th vehicle was sold. Then the phaseout allows 50% of the full credit for 2 quarters, 25% of the full credit for 2 additional quarters, and no credit thereafter. Section 4.07 of Notice 2009-89 provides that a vehicle is not “acquired” before the date on which title passes under state law. The phaseout does not apply to vehicles sold after 2022.
Qualifying Vehicle |
Credit available for vehicles acquired through 12/31/2018 |
Credit available for vehicles acquired 1/1/2019 through 6/30/2019 |
Credit available for vehicles acquired 7/1/2019 through 12/31/2019 |
Credit available 1/1/2020 |
Roadster 2008-2011 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Model S 2012-2020 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Model X 2016-2020 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Model 3 Standard Range 2020 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Model 3 Standard Range Plus 2019-2020 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Model 3 Long Range 2017-2020 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Model 3 Long Range AWD and AWD Performance 2018-2020 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Model 3 Mid Range 2018-2020 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
$1,875 |
$0 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2011 |
Think City EV (Electric Vehicle) |
$7,500 |
Toyota, a leader in hybrid technology, has also embraced the “ocean car model” concept with their plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. While some of their tax credits are phasing out, their commitment to electrification is clear.
The credit for qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles sold before 2023 is subject to a phaseout (reduction) once the vehicle manufacturer (or, for a foreign manufacturer, its U.S. distributor) sells 200,000 of these vehicles to a retailer for use in the United States after 2009. The phaseout begins in the second quarter after the quarter in which the 200,000th vehicle was sold. Then the phaseout allows 50% of the full credit for 2 quarters, 25% of the full credit for 2 additional quarters, and no credit thereafter. Section 4.07 of Notice 2009-89 provides that a vehicle is not “acquired” before the date on which title passes under state law. The phaseout does not apply to vehicles sold after 2022.
Qualifying Vehicle |
Credit available for vehicles acquired through 9/30/2022 |
Credit available for vehicles acquired 10/1/2022 through 12/31/2022 |
Prius Prime Plug-In Hybrid 2017-2022 |
$4,502 |
$2,251 |
Prius Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle 2012-2015 |
$2,500 |
$1,250 |
RAV4 EV 2012-2014 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
RAV4 Prime Plug-in Hybrid 2021-2022 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid 2022 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
bZ4X Plug-IN Electric 2023 |
$7,500 |
$3,750 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2014 |
VIA 2500 Extended Range Electric Passenger Van |
$7,500 |
2014 |
VIA 1500 Extended Range Electric Truck 4WD (All body styles) |
$7,500 |
2014 |
VIA 2500 Extended Range Electric Cargo Van |
$7,500 |
2014 |
VIA 1500 Extended Range Electric Truck 2WD (All body styles) |
$7,500 |
Volkswagen’s commitment to electric mobility is exemplified by their ID.4 and e-Golf models, representing their contribution to the “ocean car model” movement and offering consumers tax credit eligible EVs.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2021 |
Volkswagen ID.4 (First Edition, Pro, Pro S, AWD Pro, AWD Pro S models) |
$7,500 |
2022,2023 |
Volkswagen ID.4 (Pro, Pro S, AWD Models) |
$7,500 |
2022 |
Volkswagen ID.4 (Pro, Pro S, RWD Models) |
$7,500 |
2023 |
Volkswagen ID.4 (RWD, S RWD Models) |
$7,500 |
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
Volkswagen e-Golf |
$7,500 |
Volvo’s dedication to electrification is evident in their Recharge lineup, encompassing various “ocean car models” like the XC40 and XC60 Recharge, offering plug-in hybrid and electric options that were eligible for tax credits and align with their focus on safety and sustainability.
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2023 |
C40 Recharge Twin (AWD BEV) |
$7,500 |
2022 |
C40 Recharge Pure Electric |
$7,500 |
2019 |
S60 |
$5,002 |
2023 |
S60 T8 Recharge (Extended Range) |
$7,500 |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
S60 |
$5,419 |
2022 |
S60 Extended Range |
$7,500 |
2018, 2019 |
S90 |
$5,002 |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
S90 |
$5,419 |
2022 |
S90 Extended Range |
$7,500 |
2023 |
S90 T8 Recharge (Extended Range) |
$7,500 |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
V60 |
$5,419 |
2022, 2023 |
V60 Extended Range |
$7,500 |
2023 |
XC40 Recharge Twin (AWD BEV) |
$7,500 |
2021, 2022 |
XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 AWD |
$7,500 |
2018, 2019 |
XC60 |
$5,002 |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
XC60 |
$5,419 |
2022 |
XC60 Extended Range |
$7,500 |
2023 |
XC60 T8 Recharge (Extended Range) |
$7,500 |
2016, 2017 |
XC90 |
$4,585 |
2018, 2019 |
XC90 |
$5,002 |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
XC90 |
$5,419 |
2022 |
XC90 Extended Range |
$7,500 |
2018, 2019 |
XC90 Excellence |
$5,002 |
2023 |
XC90 T8 Recharge (Extended Range) |
$7,500 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2011 |
Wheego LiFe Electric Vehicle |
$7,500 |
Model year |
Vehicle description |
Credit amount |
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
Electric Van |
$7,500 |
2016, 2017 |
Electric Minibus |
$7,500 |
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of vehicles that qualified for the federal electric vehicle tax credit between 2010 and 2022. As the automotive industry continues its shift towards electrification and the “ocean car model” vision, understanding these past incentives is crucial for both consumers and industry professionals. While tax credits and qualifying vehicles may evolve, the underlying goal remains: to encourage cleaner transportation and a healthier environment for future generations.