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EV & Hybrid

Feb 13th, 2026

Hybrid vs. Fully Electric: Which One Should You Buy?

Hybrid cars offer a mix of gas and electric benefits. Fully electric vehicles eliminate fuel costs but require charging infrastructure. Range anxiety and charging availability still influence buyer decisions. Government incentives can make full EVs more appealing. Compare hybrids and EVs to find your best match.

Save Thousands on Your New or Used Electric Vehicle in 2025

Thinking about switching to an electric vehicle? Federal and state EV tax credits can save you up to $7,500 on a new EV or $4,000 on a used one—and in many cases, those savings can be applied at the time of purchase. Here's everything you need to know to take advantage of these incentives.

What Is the Federal EV Tax Credit?

The federal EV tax credit is a nonrefundable credit of up to $7,500 for buyers of qualified new electric vehicles and up to $4,000 for used EVs. The credit can be claimed on your federal tax return or transferred to the dealership at the time of purchase for an instant discount.

To qualify:

  • Your income must fall under certain limits (see below)
  • Your EV must be on the IRS-approved list
  • The vehicle must be assembled in North America
  • It must meet strict battery and mineral sourcing standards

💡 New for 2025: You can now transfer the credit directly to your dealer and receive the discount up front—no need to wait for tax season.

Federal EV Tax Credit Qualifications

Price Limits:

  • SUVs, trucks, vans: $80,000 or less
  • Sedans: $55,000 or less
  • Used EVs: $25,000 or less

Income Limits:

  • New EVs:
    • Single: $150,000
    • Head of household: $225,000
    • Married filing jointly: $300,000
  • Used EVs:
    • Single: $75,000
    • Head of household: $112,500
    • Married filing jointly: $150,000

Pro Tip: You can use your income from either the year the car is delivered or the prior year—whichever qualifies.

Vehicles That Qualify for the 2025 EV Tax Credit

These models are among those eligible for the full $7,500 tax credit in 2025 (subject to final assembly location and battery sourcing):

BrandModelCredit AmountTeslaModel 3, Model Y, Cybertruck$7,500FordF-150 Lightning$7,500ChevroletBlazer EV, Equinox EV$7,500HondaPrologue$7,500KiaEV6, EV9$7,500CadillacLYRIQ, OPTIQ$7,500ChryslerPacifica PHEV$7,500

⚠️ Always verify model eligibility at fueleconomy.gov and ask your dealership to confirm final assembly and compliance.

State EV Incentives: What You Need to Know

In addition to the federal credit, many states offer additional savings:

  • New Jersey: No state sales tax on eligible EVs
  • California: Up to $7,500 in rebates plus HOV lane access
  • New York: Up to $2,000 through NYSERDA
  • Colorado: Up to $5,000 in credits
  • Maryland, Oregon, and more: Additional rebates or utility bill credits

👉 Visit your state’s energy department or Plug In America’s incentive map to check local offers.

How to Claim the EV Tax Credit

Option 1: File with Your Taxes

  • Use IRS Form 8936 when filing your federal return
  • Report the VIN and delivery date
  • Only applies to the year the vehicle is delivered

Option 2: Point-of-Sale Discount

  • Transfer the credit to an eligible dealer
  • Receive an instant discount
  • Still requires IRS reporting—but the savings are immediate

Used EV Tax Credit Requirements

  • Must be at least 2 years old
  • Price must be under $25,000
  • Battery capacity of at least 7 kWh
  • Credit is 30% of the sale price (up to $4,000)
  • Buyer can only claim once every 3 years

How Vantage Auto Group Can Help

At Vantage Auto Group, we help you:

  • Identify EVs that qualify for federal and state incentives
  • Apply the federal tax credit at point-of-sale
  • Understand your eligibility and guide you through documentation
  • Stack federal + state rebates to maximize savings
  • Explore lease options that pass through the dealer credit

Our team simplifies the EV buying process—so you can go green and save green. Just get in touch here.

Final Thoughts

The EV tax credit is one of the best ways to save thousands when buying your next car. But with changing rules and eligibility requirements, it pays to have a team on your side. Whether you're buying new or used, Vantage Auto Group can help you get the most out of every incentive.

Ready to Go Electric?

Get a personalized quote and find out which EV tax credits you qualify for.

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Authors

Sean Ulsaker

Vice President

Pro Tip from Sean

SUV safety tech depreciates faster than the SUV. If crash-avoidance and driver-assist features matter to you, leasing can make more sense—you’re paying for the years when the tech feels “current,” not nursing outdated systems for a decade.

About Vantage Auto Group

We're licensed auto brokers who help customers nationwide skip the dealership and save over $2,000 on their next car. Unlike dealers who work for themselves, we work for you. Shopping 350+ dealers to find wholesale pricing the public can't access. Every deal includes:

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Mark Viegas, my Vantage broker, did an awesome job securing a beautiful 2026 VW TIguan fully loaded with sunroof for a great price! Mark was very patient and was very happy to close the VW deal for me! Delivery by Jordan went smoothly, delivered car right to my home. I would highly recommend Mark Viegas for he was a pleasure to work with! Barbara Casale
Mark Viegas, my Vantage broker, did an awesome job securing a beautiful 2026 VW TIguan fully loaded with sunroof for a great price! Mark was very patient and was very happy to close the VW deal for me! Delivery by Jordan went smoothly, delivered car right to my home. I would highly recommend Mark Viegas for he was a pleasure to work with! Barbara Casale

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Wouldn’t buy a car any other way! Sean at Vantage is the best! Navigated the whole process with honest advice and did all of the digging. Very happy with their service and highly recommend.
Wouldn’t buy a car any other way! Sean at Vantage is the best! Navigated the whole process with honest advice and did all of the digging. Very happy with their service and highly recommend.

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This was any easy, seamless experience. All of the details were taken care of and my questions were answered immediately. I am definitely going to remember this group for future purchases!!
This was any easy, seamless experience. All of the details were taken care of and my questions were answered immediately. I am definitely going to remember this group for future purchases!!

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This is a GREAT firm! Sean and his team are the best! I shopped for a long time and could not make up my mind. Sean had incredible patience with me despite my waffling back and forth. When I finally decided, it was completely painless. By far the most painless car buying I have ever done. No dealer nonsense, no games. I got a great price with no aggravation. They will deliver the car if thats what you want. Sean and his team are super flexible and accommodating. Would not hesitate to use them again.
This is a GREAT firm! Sean and his team are the best! I shopped for a long time and could not make up my mind. Sean had incredible patience with me despite my waffling back and forth. When I finally decided, it was completely painless. By far the most painless car buying I have ever done. No dealer nonsense, no games. I got a great price with no aggravation. They will deliver the car if thats what you want. Sean and his team are super flexible and accommodating. Would not hesitate to use them again.

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My experience with Vantage Auto Group and Mr. David Alesso was exceptional. Over a few months, he was incredibly helpful at every step. David showed deep concern in ensuring my daughter’s desired features were included, and he made sure we got a car that met every specification down to the finest detail. In the end, he made our family very happy. On delivery day, since David wasn’t there, Mr. Shoni helped with the closing. I also met Jordan, the driver who delivered the car to the office, and he was very nice. The pricing was very competitive. In the past, dealerships made us uncomfortable, but this is the new era of car buying. When you call, ask for Mr. David Alesso, and even if he’s busy, he’ll make time for you. I highly recommend them!
My experience with Vantage Auto Group and Mr. David Alesso was exceptional. Over a few months, he was incredibly helpful at every step. David showed deep concern in ensuring my daughter’s desired features were included, and he made sure we got a car that met every specification down to the finest detail. In the end, he made our family very happy. On delivery day, since David wasn’t there, Mr. Shoni helped with the closing. I also met Jordan, the driver who delivered the car to the office, and he was very nice. The pricing was very competitive. In the past, dealerships made us uncomfortable, but this is the new era of car buying. When you call, ask for Mr. David Alesso, and even if he’s busy, he’ll make time for you. I highly recommend them!

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