The Federal EV Tax Credit and Other EV Incentives In 2026
Learn about the federal EV charger tax credit (Section 30C) and the fastest way to find state and local incentives by ZIP code.
If you landed here searching “federal EV tax credit,” you’re not alone. The big change for 2026 is that the federal purchase credits most people think of (new EVs, used EVs, and many commercial/leased EV credits) are generally no longer available for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025.
That doesn’t mean you’re out of options — it just means the savings hunt shifts to state, local, and utility incentives, plus the remaining federal credit for eligible home charging.
The federal tax credit expiring also should not be a make-or-break reason to get an EV. Many EVs already cost less than equivalent gas cars over their lifetimes because of cheaper fuel and less maintenance. You can even find free EV charging stations near you. Check out the least expensive EVs here.
Read below for the clearest 2026 breakdown and the fastest way to find incentives where you live.
Quick answer: In 2026, federal clean-vehicle purchase tax credits for new EVs (30D), used EVs (25E), and commercial/leased EVs (45W) are not available for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025.
The main federal incentive still worth checking is the home EV charger tax credit (Section 30C) in eligible locations — plus state, local, utility, and regional programs.
One key nuance: A vehicle can still qualify if it was acquired on or before September 30, 2025 (often demonstrated by a binding written contract plus a payment) even if you take possession later — because the credit is claimed when the vehicle is placed in service (when you take possession).
Official IRS pages: IRS Clean Vehicle Tax Credits and IRS OBBB FAQs.
Federal EV Tax Credit Overview
The federal EV tax credits that supported many purchases in prior years have been accelerated to end under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” changes. In general, the IRS now states that the clean-vehicle purchase credits are not available for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025.
That includes the federal credit commonly associated with new EVs (30D), the credit for used EVs (25E), and the credit for many commercial/leased EVs (45W). Official IRS guidance: IRS Clean Vehicle Tax Credits.
What this means for most people shopping in 2026: you’ll usually get the best results by focusing on state, local, and utility incentives — and by comparing your monthly fueling and maintenance costs using tools like our EV Cost Savings Calculator.
Did You Buy Before The Deadline? The One Exception People Still Ask About
Even though the purchase credits are generally ended for 2026 shoppers, the IRS describes an important scenario where a vehicle can still qualify: if you acquired the vehicle on or before September 30, 2025 — and then placed it in service later.
Based on IRS guidance, acquisition is often demonstrated by:
- A binding written contract for the vehicle, plus
- A payment made on or before September 30, 2025
The IRS explains that a vehicle is generally placed in service when you take possession. This is why someone might still claim a credit later if they truly acquired the vehicle by the deadline but received it afterward. For the official language, use: IRS Clean Vehicle Tax Credits and the IRS OBBB FAQs.
Practical tip: If you think you’re in this exception category, keep your contract and payment documentation organized and consider confirming details with a qualified tax professional.
Federal EV Charger Tax Credit: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (Section 30C)
While federal EV purchase credits are generally ended for 2026 shoppers, Section 30C is a separate federal credit that can help with the cost of a home EV charger. For personal-use property, it generally covers 30% of the cost (including certain installation costs), up to $1,000.
Two details matter most for 2026: the charger must be placed in service (ready for use), and it generally must be installed in an eligible location (the IRS describes this as a qualifying location / eligible census tract requirement). Under current rules, the credit is not allowed for property placed in service after June 30, 2026.
You typically claim this credit using Form 8911. Official guidance: IRS Instructions For Form 8911. IRS overview page: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. A plain-English explainer: Rewiring America: 30C EV Charger Tax Credit.
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How to Find State and Local EV Incentives
In 2026, most EV savings opportunities come from state, local, and utility programs — and they can be surprisingly generous. The key is to search by where you live (ZIP code / utility territory), then confirm details on the official program page.
Start with these directories: ElectricForAll, PlugStar, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s incentives resources via the Alternative Fuels Data Center: AFDC Laws And Incentives.
How to search (quick checklist):
- Search by ZIP (or filter by state + utility territory).
- Filter for Vehicle incentives and Charging incentives.
- Look for income-qualified programs — these can be some of the biggest.
- Click through to the official program page to confirm eligibility, deadlines, and whether funding is open.
- Ask your utility about EV rates (time-of-use plans and off-peak discounts can lower your monthly charging cost).
Our nonprofit also put together the free EV incentive guide to help you spot the many ways you can save money on EVs.
If you are based in California, you can also check out: EV incentives for Californians.
Once you find a program, confirm details directly on the official site (state, city, utility, or program administrator) — incentives can change, pause, or run out of funding. You may also qualify for special loans, discounted charging rates, registration benefits, workplace charging, or programs for businesses and nonprofits.
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The Federal EV Tax Credits & Incentives Conclusion
If you’re shopping for an EV in 2026, the federal purchase credits most people search for are generally off the table — but there’s still a clear path to savings. Start with state and local incentives, check whether you qualify for the federal charger credit (30C), and compare your real-world monthly costs using our tools.
Before purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle, check your eligibility for federal, state, and local programs. This article is not financial advice. We hope the resources above help you find incentives that fit your situation.
FAQ: Federal EV Tax Credits And Incentives (2026)
What is the federal EV tax credit in 2026?
For most shoppers in 2026, the federal EV purchase credits are no longer available because the IRS states they are not allowed for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. The main federal incentive still worth checking in 2026 is usually the EV charger tax credit (Section 30C) in eligible locations.
Is the federal EV tax credit still available?
The federal clean-vehicle purchase credits are generally ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. However, an EV may still qualify if it was acquired on or before that date (often a binding contract + payment) and then placed in service later. The federal charger credit (30C) can still be available in eligible locations for chargers placed in service through June 30, 2026.
How does the federal EV tax credit work if I ordered before September 30, 2025?
IRS guidance focuses on whether you acquired the vehicle by the deadline (often demonstrated by a binding written contract plus a payment), and then when you placed the vehicle in service (generally when you take possession). If you believe you meet the exception, use the IRS pages linked above and consider confirming with a tax professional.
How do I claim the credit if I’m eligible?
Claiming rules depend on the specific credit and your situation. The IRS pages linked above are the best place to start. For the EV charger credit (30C), the IRS instructions explain how to claim the credit using Form 8911.
Is there a federal tax credit for EV charging stations?
Yes — Section 30C (Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit) can help cover a portion of eligible home charger costs in qualifying locations. Under current rules, it generally isn’t allowed for property placed in service after June 30, 2026.
What incentives are available instead?
In 2026, most EV savings opportunities come from state, local, and utility programs — plus ongoing savings from lower fueling and maintenance costs. Use the directories above, then confirm details on the official program page. To make it easier, start with our EV incentive checklist.
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