The US Department of Energy published the updated list of EVs that qualify for the federal tax credit in 2025—at least until Jan. 20, that is.
President-elect Donald Trump reportedly plans to eliminate the EV tax credit when he takes office. Whether or not you agree with these federal subsidies, you may as well buy one ASAP if you’re in the market for an EV and want some free money.
The credit, which dates back to 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, is now easier than ever to get after a policy change to offer the funds at the dealer instead of when filing annual taxes. The feds say “more than 250,000” credits went to purchases of new clean vehicles in 2024 at the dealer. Keep in mind that the credit is only eligible for buyers with an income under $150,000 for individuals, $225,000 for head of household, and $300,000 for married or jointly filing. This aims to prevent federal funds from going to those who don’t need them.
If you do qualify, here are the models you might want to consider in 2025 and the ones that dropped off the list from last year.
Newly Eligible Models for 2025: Cybertruck, Kia, Hyundai
Tesla Cybertruck (Credit: Emily Forlini)
Some of the best-selling EVs available now qualify for a $7,500 credit for eligible buyers. That includes the Tesla Cybertruck, which joins the Model 3, X, and Y on the list. CEO Elon Musk still claims to support Trump doing away with the credit, which he says would benefit Tesla in the end by hurting its competitors more.
The best-selling Kia EV6 and EV9 also made the 2025 list. The EV9 is among the only 3-row electric SUVs on the market, besides the more expensive Rivian R1S. However, Hyundai will debut the Ioniq 9 next year, its 3-row electric SUV. It, too, qualifies for the tax credit. For the first time, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 also qualifies. It is the only non-Tesla EV confirmed to have a built-in NACS charge port next year, allowing it to power up at Tesla Superchargers with no adapter.
Kia EV9 (Credit: Emily Forlini)
The Electrified GV70, from Hyundai’s Genesis luxury brand, also joins the list. Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis are all owned by the same parent company. It shifted production of these vehicles to the US, which is required to qualify, with enough locally sourced battery materials and components to satisfy the critical mineral requirements.
Models That Lost Eligibility in 2025: Rivian, Nissan, VW, Bolt
The Rivian R1T and R1S sadly fell off the list, as did the old standby Nissan Leaf. Both previously qualified for the $3,750 half credit due to only partially satisfying the domestic battery materials requirements.
Without them on the list, no EVs qualify for the half-credit. All remaining models get the full $7,500. That keeps things simple, but we’re sad to see these great EVs become less attractive to buyers. It may have been required, however, given the financial struggles of both companies. Domestically sourced batteries are expensive, and Rivian and Nissan are both showing signs of weakening wallets.
Rivian R2 (Credit: Emily Forlini)
Rivian received a $6.6 billion government loan to complete production of its Georgia plant, where it will build the $45,000 R2. CNBC reports that Nissan is thinking of merging with Honda after a rough 2024 of plummeting profits and layoffs. It hasn’t meaningfully updated the Leaf in years; it still charges via a dated CHAdeMO plug while the industry is two plug types ahead of it, having gone from CHAdeMO to CCS and next NACS.
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The Volkswagen ID.4 also fell off the list. VW is also in a dire financial situation; its Q3 revenue was down 41.7% year-over-year, Automotive Dive reports. It planned to close manufacturing plants in Germany, but a deal with the local union kept them open, Car & Driver reports. On the positive side, the very cute ID.Buzz is now available, an electric revival of the vintage microbus.
The last two EVs in the tax credit graveyard are the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV. They were the cheapest electric cars on the market before GM temporarily discontinued them in 2023, taking them out of production starting in 2024. If you are interested in buying a used model, it could qualify for the $4,000 credit for pre-owned models.
Finally, the 2025 list massacred the list of eligible plug-in hybrids. Only the Chrysler Pacifica remains, while the Audi Q5, Ford Escape, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring have all dropped off.
EVs That Qualify for the $7,500 Credit
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Acura ZDX (2024-2025)
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Cadillac Lyriq (2024-2025), Luxury and Sport Trims
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Cadillac Optiq (2025)
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Chevrolet Blazer (2024-2025), LT, RS, & SS Trims
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Chevrolet Equinox (2024), LT & RS Trims
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Chevrolet Silverado (2025), LT Trim
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Ford F-150 Lightning (2022-2024), Flash, Lariat, & XLT Trims
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Genesis Electrified GV70 (2025)
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Honda Prologue (2024-2025)
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Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2025)
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Hyundai Ioniq 9 (2025)
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Kia EV6 (2026)
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Kia EV9 (2026)
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Tesla Cybertruck (2025), Dual and Single Motor
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Tesla Model 3 (2025), Long Range All-Wheel Drive, Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, Performance
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Tesla Model X (2025), All-Wheel Drive
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Tesla Model Y (2025), Long Range All-Wheel Drive, Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, Performance
PHEVs That Qualify for the $7,500 Credit
See more details and the government-published list at fueleconomy.gov. Select Jan. 1, 2025 – Dec. 31, 2025, under delivery date.
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About Emily Dreibelbis Forlini
Senior Reporter
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