The Biden administration, working across various federal agencies, announced on Friday a modification in the regulations surrounding the EV tax credit. These changes, set to take effect in 2025 and 2026, will simplify the process of qualifying for the credit for a broader array of vehicles. However, the revised rules will not relax the restrictions on Chinese firms looking to enter the market.
The latest regulations were announced on Friday by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, and the Internal Revenue Service. Each department issued new guidelines pertaining to their specific roles in implementing and regulating the tax incentives established by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
Relaxation of strict mineral standards until 2027
There’s positive news for automakers, particularly those involved with battery and component manufacturing in North America. Following Friday’s clarifications, they now have an additional two years to adapt to the significantly tougher regulations regarding the sourcing of battery minerals.
Revised guidelines for electric vehicle tax credits – May 2024 updates
Under the initial guidelines of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), electric vehicles (EVs) will not be eligible for the complete EV tax credit in 2024 unless 60% of their battery components are sourced from the U.S., and at least 50% of their essential battery materials are either mined or processed within the U.S. or in a preferred trading partner like Japan, South Korea, or the European Union.
The criteria were scheduled to intensify in 2025, imposing more severe restrictions on the sources of battery components; cars containing raw materials from China or other specified Foreign Entities of Concern would be excluded. However, according to the new rules issued on Friday, companies now have until 2027 to adhere to these standards, giving vehicle manufacturers and suppliers additional time to enhance the monitoring of their supply chains until then.
2024 Kia EV9
„Today’s measures by the Treasury and the Department of Energy bring clear guidance and stability to the quickly expanding electric vehicle market,“ John Podesta, the President’s Senior Advisor for International Climate Policy, stated in a summary from the Biden administration. „Our path forward is unmistakable—aiming for a future where a greater number of Americans own an EV or a plug-in hybrid, with these vehicles being both affordable and manufactured domestically.“
In a statement regarding the finalized regulations, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted the emergence of ecosystems in states like Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky, which are fostering the entire clean vehicle supply chain domestically, positioning the United States as a leader in green energy.
Current credit criteria are maintained
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have specified the compliance deadlines for automakers, distinguishing between requirements for 2025 and those for 2024. Currently, vehicles qualify for a total credit of up to $7,500 if they are manufactured in North America, with this amount evenly split between critical minerals and battery components.
Eligibility for the tax credit is contingent on meeting modified adjusted gross income caps of $300,000 for married couples filing together, $225,000 for head of household filers, and $150,000 for single or other filers. Furthermore, the IRA stipulates maximum allowable purchase prices under the tax credit scheme: $55,000 for new cars and $80,000 for new trucks, SUVs, and vans.
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash
This has resulted in only a limited number of cars being eligible for the entire $7,500 discount. Starting in 2024, this discount can also be applied directly at the point of sale at dealerships, though not all dealers have signed up with the IRS to offer this benefit.
The latest regulations, announced on Friday, include „integrity measures“ that enforce a preliminary compliance check. This is to verify that manufacturers correctly represent the components of their batteries, thereby protecting taxpayers from penalties should the vehicles not meet standards.
The updated regulations expand the definition of a „manufacturer“ to encompass upfitters, a crucial point for commercial vehicles that intend to apply for the associated 45W credit.
2025 Polestar 3 Model
Is it becoming more challenging for China to participate in the electric vehicle market or supply chain due to new regulations?
Regulations identifying „Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC)“ have posed significant challenges for firms that are wholly or partly owned by Chinese interests and are looking to establish operations in North America, either in the electric vehicle supply chain or in EV manufacturing.
The updated regulations assign the Department of Energy (DOE) the responsibility of assessing a company’s compliance. The DOE has also updated guidelines concerning restrictions on Foreign Entities of Concern, specifying that the 25% limit on voting rights, equity interests, and board representation for companies aiming to qualify for tax advantages will be independently assessed and approved by the agency.
Considering China’s Geely holds a significant share in Polestar, this ownership may prevent the company from qualifying for the full credit in the future, despite its intentions to manufacture vehicles in the United States. Furthermore, numerous Chinese suppliers who have established facilities in the U.S. as part of the broader automotive supply chain, aiming to enter the electric vehicle market, would also find themselves ineligible. Therefore, among various organizations, the Department of Energy (DOE) is likely to play the most crucial and internationally political role in tracking financial flows in this context.
Labels:
Get Involved:
Distribute This Story:
Contact the Editor:
Stay Updated:
Green Vehicle Digest
Subscribe to receive the most recent updates on eco-friendly vehicles and environmental news straight to your email every day!
I consent to getting emails from Green Car Reports and acknowledge that I can opt out at any moment. See Privacy Policy for details.
Jeep’s leading executive in the U.S. announced that the Gladiator plug-in hybrid is set to be released „later next year.“
The transition from traditional internal combustion engines to electric vehicles might be progressing more slowly than originally anticipated, despite unchanged plans for electric vehicle deployment.
The ZDX serves as an introductory model for Acura’s electric vehicles, despite being manufactured by General Motors and utilizing GM’s Ultium EV platform.
This decision may influence the timing and manner in which additional Chinese electric vehicles are introduced in the U.S. market.
Throughout July, the most recent vehicle promotions at Costco include electric vehicles from Polestar, Volvo, and Chevrolet, as well as plug-in hybrid models from Volvo.
Tesla’s sluggish sales are slowing down the expansion of electric vehicles in California. Meanwhile, Toyota is establishing a base for hydrogen-related developments. Furthermore, a test drive of the Lucid Gravity reveals it expands on its Air model foundation, offering additional features. Stay updated with these stories and more at Green Car Reports. Even a short test drive of a Lucid Gravity prototype showed that…
A brief trip indicates that the Lucid Gravity will stand out from other three-row electric SUVs.
A notable decline in Tesla’s sales resulted in modest increases in quarterly sales and a small decrease in its share of the electric vehicle market.
The hydrogen fuel-cell complex in California will encompass everything from research and development to sales, extending its impact beyond just Toyota’s range of vehicles.
The electric Mercedes G-wagen has been transformed into a die-cast model, emphasizing eco-friendliness. Previously owned electric vehicles are now on the market at reduced prices compared to last year. Additionally, the least expensive Lexus model has improved its fuel efficiency. All this and more can be found on Green Car Reports. The 2025 Lexus UX 300h is now exclusively available in hybrid form, and the top-selling all-wheel-drive version…
Despite retaining a similar user interface as seen in 2024 and earlier versions, the UX has transitioned to an exclusively hybrid model.
Associated Content
Top Picks
Image Gallery
Updates
Broadcasts
Feeds
Organization
Connect With Us Now:
