Tesla has once again raised the alarm about a possible reduction in the federal tax credit, creating a dilemma for potential buyers as the year-end deadline approaches. The company's Model 3 page now warns buyers that the $7,500 tax credit is expected to decrease to $3,750 on December 31, pending federal guidance. To secure the full incentive, buyers must take delivery before the year-end deadline.
The eligibility criteria for the 2024 tax credit will become stricter. Critical minerals used in batteries, especially those sourced or recycled within the U.S. or nations with a U.S. free trade agreement, must now account for 50% of the battery's composition, up from the previous 40%. Additionally, 60% of battery components need to be domestically manufactured or produced within free trade agreement nations. Vehicles not meeting these criteria will only receive half the credit, amounting to $3,750 USD.
Tesla had previously issued a warning in July, indicating a decrease in the $7,500 tax credit for certain vehicle models. At that time, the base version of the Model 3 faced restrictions due to its use of Chinese battery cells, making it eligible for only half the credit. However, Tesla later announced that even the base Model 3 would qualify for the full tax credit, marking a positive change.
Looking ahead to 2024, Tesla is set to introduce the new Model 3 Highland to North America. While this model has yet to debut in the U.S., Tesla's urgency in encouraging consumers to take advantage of current tax incentives might be linked to clearing out existing Model 3 stocks before the Highland's U.S. arrival.
In addition to the tax credit concerns, Tesla missed its third-quarter projections, leading to a decrease in deliveries. Although there are valid reasons behind this decline, the numbers speak for themselves. Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has a track record of striving for continuous improvement, as demonstrated by significant price reductions introduced by the company late last year.
As we approach 2024, significant changes are anticipated in the electric vehicle federal tax credit framework. The most significant change is the shift from a tax rebate to an immediate discount at dealerships. Prospective Tesla buyers are urged to act proactively in light of the potential tax credit reduction. Time is running out, and decisions made in the coming months could either result in substantial savings or become irrelevant. Stay tuned for further updates, and don't miss out on the opportunity to save on your Tesla purchase!
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