The 6 Plug-in Hybrids and EVs You Can Buy Today That Qualify for EV Tax Credits

Key Points

• The Nissan Leaf has been a standby for plug-in hybrids since 2011.
• An all-electric E-Transit model is new for 2022 that offers up to 126 miles of range.
• The amount of tax credit you qualify for is based on your income tax and the size of the electric battery in your vehicle.

The popularity and accessibility of plug-in hybrid cars are growing each day. Especially with the slew of new tax incentives the U.S. has introduced. For this article, we will be focusing on just the U.S. But, depending on where you are, some of these vehicles might also qualify for incentives.

Before we get into the fun part of this article, we will go over what actually makes a car qualify for tax incentives.

How Does an Electric Vehicle Qualify for a Tax Incentive?

Luckily, this is one of the most simple things regarding tax incentives, as far as qualifying goes. “All electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that were purchased new in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Now, of course, you cannot expect to just buy a car and then, when April rolls around, get a check for $7,500. In reality, the amount you qualify for is based on your income tax and the size of the electric battery in your vehicle.

For example, if you purchased a Ford F-150 Lightning and owed $3,500 in income tax this year, that is the federal tax credit you would receive. However, if you owed $10,000 in federal income tax, you would qualify for the full $7,500 credit.

With the new inflation act, some stipulations have been added, like the cars have to be assembled in the U.S. We have included cars from non-U.S. manufacturers, but their final assembly is in the states, so they should still qualify.

Plug-in Hybrids and EVs that Should Qualify for 2022 Tax Incentives

Now to the fun part! We want to note that these are in no particular order, and we are not ranking the cars against each other.

1. 2022 Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf has been a standby for plug-in hybrids since 2011, and they continue to be excellent cars.

The standard Leaf EV has a 40-kilowatt-hour battery that provides an EPA-estimated range of 149 miles. The Plus version gets a 62-kilowatt-hour battery, which gives the Leaf an estimated range of 215 to 226 miles, depending on the trim version.

We highly recommend the Nissan Leaf to anybody looking for a car that gets them around town while still having quite a powerful engine. However, with its slightly lower range on the standard version, it is hard to recommend it for road tripping.

2. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Anybody that wants to off-road while still getting excellent miles per gallon and being environmentally conscious, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the way to go.

The new 4xe plug-in hybrid version uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder coupled with an electric drive and provides a claimed 25 miles of electric-only range.

You definitely won’t make it too far with just electric power, but the fact that you can make it 25 miles in a decently-sized SUV is quite impressive. With a couple more years of electric vehicle advancement, we are sure to see that number grow.

3. 2022 Rivian R1S

The name Rivian might not be recognizable compared to Nissan and Jeep, but the new Rivian R1S is too impressive not to talk about.

This American startup company is launching an upscale three-row electric SUV. It has an EPA-rated range of 316 miles. But, Rivian says a longer-range version, as well as a 250-mile model, will be available soon.

From the outside, the Rivian looks like a Jeep competitor, but the price range it sits in is definitely more luxurious. Unless you really want to, we don’t recommend using a $75,000 vehicle to go mudding or off-roading.

4. 2022 Ford Transit

The 2022 Ford Transit is not the sexiest car on this list, but we want to show off how many versatile forms of EVs are coming in today.

An all-electric E-Transit model is new for 2022 that offers up to 126 miles of range. Driver assist systems such as FCW, AEB, and pedestrian detection are standard. BSW and adaptive cruise control are optional.

The 2022 Ford Transit is perfect for the contractor or person who needs a work van to get around to worksites or clients and wants to do it in an eco-friendly, affordable fashion.

5. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt

The Chevy Bolt is another one of those models that have been around for a while, but the 2022 refresh has a lot of welcomed upgrades.

The 200-hp electric motor that drives the front wheels used in the current Bolt carries over, and it can travel 259 miles on a fully charged battery. DC fast-charging capability is standard, and Chevrolet says 30 minutes of DC fast charging at public locations will add 100 miles of range.

It is worth noting that this car may not qualify if you purchase it now, but, after December 31st, 2022, it should be eligible. Of course, make sure to check for your specific case before purchasing.

6. 2022 Ford F-150 Lighting

The Ford F-150 lighting is the only EV pickup truck we found that qualifies for these incentives. But, of course, this might change before you file your taxes for 2022.

This pickup is offered in two power configurations, with 452- and 580-hp. The standard-range battery has an EPA estimated 230 miles, and the extended-range battery is rated at 320 miles. This EV truck is no slouch, either. It boasts a 2,235-pound payload capacity (standard range) and a 10,000-pound tow capacity (extended range).

The Ford F-150 is perfect for someone that wants an EV but doesn’t want to give up the versatility that a pickup truck can offer.

Conclusion

Plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles have become much more accessible and versatile than just a few years ago. So, don’t think you are just relegated to a Tesla anymore. The tax incentives have also made many more people interested in EV vehicles, for a good reason. Depending on your circumstance, it can make a big difference.

These cars we found should all qualify for tax incentives, but be sure to make sure that they apply in your region before purchasing a new plug-in hybrid or EV so you get the deal!

Next Up…

• The 2024 Honda Prologue: Everything We Know Today – Price, Range, Specs, and More
• Here Are The 12 EVs That Still Qualify For The $7,500 Federal Tax Credit Today
• The 6 Plug-in Hybrids and EVs You Can Buy Today That Qualify for EV Tax Credits