American car buyers are in a race against time as automakers urge customers to purchase electric vehicles (EVs) before a generous $7,500 federal tax credit ends on 30 September 2025.
Tesla has already sounded the alarm, with a banner on its homepage urging buyers to “Take Delivery by September 30.” Ford followed suit, extending its offer for free home chargers and installation, hoping to lure undecided customers into action. The incentives come as part of a final push before sweeping legislative changes remove one of the most effective EV adoption tools in the U.S.
The credit—originally introduced in 2008 and expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022—will disappear alongside the $4,000 used-EV subsidy. Industry analysts warn this could sharply reduce electric car demand, at a time when sales are already cooling. In fact, research from top U.S. universities suggests EV registrations could fall by 27% without the incentive.
Industry faces uncertain road without federal support
The rollback marks a turning point for the U.S. EV market, which has been buoyed in recent years by federal subsidies. Automakers are already bracing for the fallout.
General Motors CEO Mary Barra warned, “The $7,500 tax credit is driving demand; without that, it’ll slow.” Her concerns mirror those of industry analysts and dealers who expect a significant drop in sales starting in October, especially as EV prices remain out of reach for many.
On average, a new EV in the U.S. costs around $58,000 in May, roughly $10,000 more than a standard new vehicle, according to Cox Automotive. While brands like Rivian are exploring financing offers and added perks to cushion the impact, many fear a replay of what happened in Germany, where EV sales plunged after subsidies ended in 2023.
Consumers react to policy shift as automakers scramble
Buyers appear to be responding. At Northwood Chevrolet and Hyundai in California, sales manager Dmitry Agapitov is already seeing a surge in inquiries. “We’re anticipating it to play a factor,” he said, referencing past bumps before similar deadlines.
Barclays analysts predict a “significant EV pre-buy” in Q3, followed by steep declines. Ford and GM are no strangers to this playbook. After Ford’s Mustang Mach-E lost a partial tax credit in 2024, the company slashed prices to maintain momentum. GM, too, offered $7,500 discounts on affected models.
As policy winds shift—largely influenced by President Donald Trump’s administration, which began planning to eliminate EV credits in late 2024—consumers see urgency. “If there’s anyone who hasn’t bought yet, they’re likely to be encouraged to buy in the third quarter,” said Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions.
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