Just Text Us

(201) 815-8216

BLOG

•

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.

‍

‍

Weekly Car Tips

Join 250,000+ smart buyers getting our insider tips, including: lease deals, buying strategies, industry news, and exclusive offers.

Subscribe

You're subscribed! Check your inbox.

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

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:

  • $2,500 Total Loss Protection
  • Free nationwide delivery
  • Zero dealership visits

Testimonials

Front view of three luxury SUVs in blue, silver, and black, positioned side by side with the blue vehicle centered.

‍

AS LOW AS
$
/MO
#
Miles

‍

Front view of three luxury SUVs in blue, silver, and black, positioned side by side with the blue vehicle centered.
David, Omar, and the team at Vantage are awesome! The process was only a couple of days and they were able to secure my lease with much better terms than what the dealer was offering direct. Would highly recommend working with them if you’re in need of a new lease!
David, Omar, and the team at Vantage are awesome! The process was only a couple of days and they were able to secure my lease with much better terms than what the dealer was offering direct. Would highly recommend working with them if you’re in need of a new lease!

Trent Broderick

Front view of three luxury SUVs in blue, silver, and black, positioned side by side with the blue vehicle centered.

‍

AS LOW AS
$
/MO
#
Miles

‍

Front view of three luxury SUVs in blue, silver, and black, positioned side by side with the blue vehicle centered.
David W. and his team put together a deal on a car that I am very happy with. They made the whole process extremely easy and pleasant. Highly recommend!
David W. and his team put together a deal on a car that I am very happy with. They made the whole process extremely easy and pleasant. Highly recommend!

George Kordas

Front view of three luxury SUVs in blue, silver, and black, positioned side by side with the blue vehicle centered.

‍

AS LOW AS
$
/MO
#
Miles

‍

Front view of three luxury SUVs in blue, silver, and black, positioned side by side with the blue vehicle centered.
Vantage makes it so easy!
Vantage makes it so easy!

Scott McEnerney

Front view of three luxury SUVs in blue, silver, and black, positioned side by side with the blue vehicle centered.

‍

AS LOW AS
$
/MO
#
Miles

‍

Front view of three luxury SUVs in blue, silver, and black, positioned side by side with the blue vehicle centered.
Quick and easy! Jess and Dave answered every question I had, Brandon delivered the car within the time window I was given and was in and out. I will definitely be using them for future car purchases.
Quick and easy! Jess and Dave answered every question I had, Brandon delivered the car within the time window I was given and was in and out. I will definitely be using them for future car purchases.

Lorraine Anacker

Front view of three luxury SUVs in blue, silver, and black, positioned side by side with the blue vehicle centered.

‍

AS LOW AS
$
/MO
#
Miles

‍

Front view of three luxury SUVs in blue, silver, and black, positioned side by side with the blue vehicle centered.
great service! Absolutely the best group to work with when getting a new car
great service! Absolutely the best group to work with when getting a new car

Alexandra Chionchio

Previous
Next

Want to Save $2,000+ On Your Next Car?

Hey, I'm Sean from Vantage. I help people get wholesale pricing without the dealership drama. Want me to find your best deal?

Contact

More Car-Smart Dad Insights

What Car Should I Get?

Best Cars for Road Trips and Long Drives in 2026

The best road trip cars in 2026 ranked by comfort, cargo space, and fuel efficiency.
Read Post

Dealer Fees & Pricing Truth

What Dealers Don't Want You to Know About Car Financing

Dealers mark up your interest rate and profit on every payment. Here is how to protect yourself.
Read Post

How Vantage Works

Navigating the Future: The Unmatched Convenience of Online Car Shopping

Shop, compare, and lease online with Vantage—full control, zero dealership weekends.

Read Post

What Car Should I Get?

Are Mercedes Reliable? What the Data Actually Shows

Mercedes reliability varies widely by model. Here is which ones hold up and why leasing often makes more sense.
Read Post

EV & Hybrid

How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV?

Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging times compared so you know exactly what to expect before
Read Post

Dealer Fees & Pricing Truth

Should You Buy a Car at the End of the Month? Timing Myths Debunked

End-of-month timing can help, but it is not the silver bullet most people think.
Read Post

EV & Hybrid

How Does an EV Lease Work in NJ?

Learn how money factor, residual value, and cap cost affect your EV lease payment in NJ, and how
Read Post

What Car Should I Get?

Are Hyundais Reliable? A 2026 Honest Look at Dependability

Hyundai reliability ranked by the data for 2026 plus which models hold up best long term.
Read Post
Previous
Next

📥 FREE DOWNLOAD

The Smart Buyer's Guide to Leasing vs. Buying in 2026

Discover:
âś“ When to lease vs. buy
âś“ Hidden fees to watch for
âś“ Tax benefits for business owners
âś“ Current manufacturer incentives

Contact Details
Download the Free Guide

Smart move!

Download the guide below, plus we've sent a copy to your inbox.

Download the Guide
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Red luxury coupe SUV with tinted windows on a race track with red and white curbs.