Jump to content

Government incentives for fuel efficient vehicles in the United States

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by BG19bot (talk | contribs) at 06:10, 31 March 2016 (Remove blank line(s) between list items per WP:LISTGAP to fix an accessibility issue for users of screen readers. Do WP:GENFIXES and cleanup if needed. Discuss this at Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Accessibility#LISTGAP). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a federal income tax credit of up to $3,400 for the purchase of new hybrid vehicles, purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005.[1][2] Vehicles purchased after December 31, 2010 are not eligible for this credit.[1][2] The law limited the tax credits to the first 60,000 eligible vehicles per carmaker, meaning that credits for popular models will be phase out before the tax break's scheduled expiration date. Note these are credits — dollar for dollar tax savings — not merely deductions. The tax credit is to be phased out two calendar quarters after the manufacturer reaches 60,000 new cars sold in the following manner: it will be reduced to 50% if delivered in either the third or fourth quarter after the threshold is reached, to 25% in the fifth and sixth quarters, and 0% thereafter.[1][3] The Internal Revenue Service is responsible for certifying that certain passenger autos and light trucks qualify for the credit and the amount of the credit.[3]

Some state governments in the U.S. have introduced special provisions for hybrid vehicles driving in carpool lanes.

Tax incentives

Energy Policy Act of 2005

Main article: Energy Policy Act of 2005

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 created incentives to encourage the purchase of low emission vehicles.[4] The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 expanded these incentives to include emerging electric vehicle, and plug in hybrid, technology.[4] The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 only acted to push back tax credit-claiming deadlines and include more electric vehicles in existing incentive programs.[4] Although many speculated that more recent stimulus legislation would greatly expand existing incentive programs, but the legislation disappointed many.[5] When passed, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 focused more on green infrastructure than personal transportation incentives. The act did allocate money, however, to equip government agencies with more efficient vehicles, created a grant program for diesel owners wishing to outfit their cars with cleaner burning technology, and added a significant tax incentive program for plug-in hybrids.[4]

The tax incentives that are the result of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 are offered to make pricier, but more environmentally friendly vehicles more appealing. Because the process of manufacturing many low emission vehicles (LEV), for example, a hybrid engine, is more technology intensive, and therefore more expensive, than the process of manufacturing a standard gasoline engine, the cost a hybrid automobile is greater than that of a car with comparable performance.[6] Many potential buyers will require economic incentive to purchase a more expensive LEV over an automobile that runs on gasoline, so a tax credit is offered to effectively cheapen the LEV and encourage the purchase of more environmentally friendly automobiles.

The characteristics and availability of an offered tax credit will vary based on the characteristics and popularity of the car in question, respectively. The size of the offered tax credit typically corresponds in value to the amount of money that the technology in question adds to the manufacture price of the car. For example, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that are in the early stages of development are more expensive and receive a larger tax credit than a diesel car that is cheaper to make. Existing incentive programs are also set to phase out after a given maker sells 60,000 hybrid vehicles, so more popular models like the Toyota Prius are no longer subject to a tax credit.[7]

Incentives may also vary based on how well the car in question performs in these “green” categories.[8] For example the buyer of a Tesla Roadster, a fully electric vehicle, will receive a much larger tax credit than the buyer of a standard hybrid, which will pollute much more during its lifespan.[9] The federal government now lists models that are pre-approved to receive a tax credit; some other models may qualify on an ad hoc basis.

Classifications for tax credit certified vehicles

  • Diesel: Because diesel engines are typically more fuel efficient, and can run on cleaner blends of diesel fuel, diesel powered car buyers qualify for federal tax credits. Many Volkswagen diesel models are currently pre-approved for a tax credit of between $1,000 and $1,700. Because diesels are less common in the U.S. than standard gasoline cars, there are many more remaining tax credits for these Volkswagen models than there are for popular hybrid models like the Toyota Prius.[10]
  • Alternative fuel vehicles: Currently the only pre-approved alternative fuel vehicle is the Honda Civic GX, which runs on compressed natural gas (CNG), a fossil fuel that burns cleaner than standard gasoline.[11] Currently the standard credit for a qualified alternative fuel vehicle is $4,000. Other than the Civic GX, a number of models produced after 2004 may qualify for tax credits.[12]
  • Electric vehicles: Government tax credit programs are planned for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, but no specific models have yet been certified.[13]

Phase out credits

The 60,000-vehicle cap applies to all nameplates across an automaker's business, and as such, Lexus hybrids are accounted as part of Toyota Motor Company production, or Mercury hybrids are part of Ford Motor Company hybrid production.[2] As of mid-2010 three auto manufactures have reached the 60,000 cap, Toyota reached it in 2007, Honda in 2008, and as of April 1, 2010, all Ford hybrid vehicles are also no longer eligible for tax credits.[2]

Currently available credits

Historical credit rankings

Hybrid tax credits from lowest to highest:

  • 2006-07 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid 2wd, $250
  • 2006-07 GMC Sierra Hybrid 2wd, $250
  • 2008 Lexus LS 600h, $450 (purchased on/before 9/31/07) / $0 (purchased on/after 10/1/07)
  • 2006-07 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid 4WD, $650
  • 2006-07 GMC Sierra Hybrid 4WD, $650
  • 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid, $650 (purchased on/before 12/31/07) / $325 (purchased 1/1/08-6/30/08) / $162.50 (purchased 7/1/08-12/31/08) / $0 (purchased on or after 1/1/09)
  • 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid (w/o updated control calibration), $650 (purchased on/before 12/31/07) / $325 (purchased 1/1/08-6/30/08) / $162.50 (purchased 7/1/08-12/31/08) / $0 (purchased on or after 1/1/09)
  • 2007 Saturn VUE Green Line, $650
  • 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, $1,150
  • 2007-08 Saturn Aura Green Line, $1,300
  • 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, $1,300
  • 2006-07 Honda Accord Hybrid (w/ updated control calibration), $1,300
  • 2005-06 Honda Insight CVT, $1,450 (purchased on/before 12/31/07) / $725 (purchased 1/1/08-6/30/08) / $362.50 (purchased 7/1/08-12/31/08) / $0 (purchased on or after 1/1/09)
  • 2007 Lexus GS 450h, $1,550 (purchased on/before 30 September 2006) / $775 (purchased 10/01/06-03/31/07) / $387.50 (purchased 04/01/07-09/30/07) / $0 (purchased on or after 10/01/07)
  • 2009-10 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, $1,550
  • 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid, $1,550
  • 2008-09 Saturn Vue Hybrid, $1,550
  • 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid (SULEV) MT & CVT, $1,700 (purchased on/before 12/31/07) / $850 (purchased 1/1/08-6/30/08) / $425 (purchased 7/1/08-12/31/08) / $0 (purchased on or after 1/1/09)
  • 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid 4WD, $1,800
  • 2005-07, 09 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD, $1,950 (purchased on/before 31 March 2009) / $975 (purchased 04/01/09-09/30/09) / $487.50 (purchased 10/01/09-03/31/10) / $0 (purchased on/after 04/01/10)
  • 2006-07, 09 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD, $1,950 (purchased on/before 31 March 2009) / $975 (purchased 04/01/09-09/30/09) / $487.50 (purchased 10/01/09-03/31/10) / $0 (purchased on/after 04/01/10)
  • 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid 4WD, $1,950
  • 2006-08 Honda Civic Hybrid CVT, $2,100 (purchased on/before 12/31/07) / $1,050 (purchased 1/1/08-6/30/08) / $525 (purchased 7/1/08-12/31/08) / $0 (purchased on or after 1/1/09)
  • 2006-08 Lexus RX 400h 2WD or 4WD, $2,200 (purchased on/before 30 September 2006) / $1100 (purchased 10/01/06-03/31/07) / $550(purchased 04/01/07-09/30/07) / $0 (purchased on or after 10/01/07)
  • 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD, $2,200 (purchased on/before 31 March 2009) / $1,100 (purchased 04/01/09-09/30/09) / $550 (purchased 10/01/09-03/31/10) / $0 (purchased on/after 04/01/10)
  • 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD, $2,200 (purchased on/before 31 March 2009) / $1,100 (purchased 04/01/09-09/30/09) / $550 (purchased 10/01/09-03/31/10) / $0 (purchased on/after 04/01/10)
  • 2009-10 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid 2WD, $2,200
  • 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid 4WD, $2,200
  • 2009-10 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, $2,200
  • 2008-10 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, $2,200
  • 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, $2,200
  • 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid, $2,200
  • 2009-10GMC Sierra Hybrid, $2,200
  • 2008-10 GMC Yukon Hybrid, $2,200
  • 2007-10 Nissan Altima Hybrid, $2,350
  • 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid, $2,600 (purchased on/before 30 September 2006) / $1300 (purchased 10/01/06-03/31/07) / $650(purchased 04/01/07-09/30/07) / $0 (purchased on or after 10/01/07)[14][15]
  • 2006-08 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2WD or 4WD, $2,600 (purchased on/before 30 September 2006) / $1300 (purchased 10/01/06-03/31/07) / $650(purchased 04/01/07-09/30/07) / $0 (purchased on or after 10/01/07)
  • 2005-07 Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD, $2,600 (purchased on/before 31 March 2009) / $1,300 (purchased 04/01/09-09/30/09) / $650 (purchased 10/01/09-03/31/10) / $0 (purchased on/after 04/01/10)
  • 2008-09 Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD, $3,000 (purchased on/before 31 March 2009) / $1,500 (purchased 04/01/09-09/30/09) / $750 (purchased 10/01/09-03/31/10) / $0 (purchased on/after 04/01/10)
  • 2008-09 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 2WD, $3,000 (purchased on/before 31 March 2009) / $1,500 (purchased 04/01/09-09/30/09) / $750 (purchased 10/01/09-03/31/10) / $0 (purchased on/after 04/01/10)
  • 2008-09 Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD, $3,000
  • 2005-08 Toyota Prius $3,150 (purchased on/before 30 September 2006) / $1575 (purchased 10/01/06-03/31/07) / $787.50 (purchased 04/01/07-09/30/07) / $0 (purchased on or after 10/01/07)
  • 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, $3,400 (purchased on/before 31 March 2009) / $1,700 (purchased 04/01/09-09/30/09) / $850 (purchased 10/01/09-03/31/10) / $0 (purchased on/after 04/01/10)
  • 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid, $3,400 (purchased on/before 31 March 2009) / $1,700 (purchased 04/01/09-09/30/09) / $850 (purchased 10/01/09-03/31/10) / $0 (purchased on/after 04/01/10)

Carpool lane incentives

In California, hybrids with an EPA estimate of 45 mpg‑US (5.2 L/100 km; 54 mpg‑imp) or higher meet the requirements to drive in California's carpool lanes with only one passenger.[citation needed]

Virginia has also provisions for hybrid vehicles. For example, the Toyota Camry Hybrid was eligible, but must have been specially tagged by June 30, 2006 to be eligible for I-95 & I-395 exemption. Exemption for I-66 and Dulles Toll Road HOV usage continues even for registrations beyond June 30.[citation needed]

As of July 29, 2005 Arizona Revised Statutes from the 47th session Chapters 28-2416 and 28-737 allow hybrid vehicles that have been approved by the EPA as meeting, at a minimum, the United States environmental protection agency ultralow emission vehicle standard with a US$8 special plates/hybrid sticker that is displayed on said vehicle to use the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of the number of passengers. Arizona has not instituted this policy as it is awaiting clarification of the federal Hybrid HOV waiver from the EPA. On January 16, 2006 SB 1179 was introduced that would reaffirm the HOV benefit, pending federal clearance.[citation needed]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c "New Energy Tax Credits for Hybrids". FuelEconomy.gov. Retrieved 2010-06-05.
  2. ^ a b c d Jeff Wysaski (2010-04-15). "Hybrid Tax Credits for 2010 New Cars". Autotropolis. Retrieved 2010-06-05.
  3. ^ a b "Summary of the Credit for Qualified Hybrid Vehicles". Internal Revenue Service. 2010-06-05.
  4. ^ a b c d "Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center: Key Federal Legislation". Afdc.energy.gov. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  5. ^ "Stimulus Bill Provides Little Help to Today's Car Buyers". Hybrid Cars. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  6. ^ "Are hybrids worth their price - Are hybrids too expensive - Do hybrids save money and emissions". Alternativefuels.about.com. 2010-06-10. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  7. ^ "Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center: Light-Duty Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Advanced Lean Burn Vehicle Tax Credit". Afdc.energy.gov. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  8. ^ Bell, Kay. "Hybrid credit gone for Toyota, fading fast for Honda". Bankrate.com. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  9. ^ O'Neill, Michael (2009-01-14). "Tax incentives: Why the Roadster costs less than its sticker price | Blog". Tesla Motors. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  10. ^ "New Energy Tax Credit for Diesels". Fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  11. ^ "Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a Transportation Fuel". Consumerenergycenter.org. 2006-03-01. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  12. ^ "New Energy Tax Credits for Alternative Fuel Vehicles". Fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  13. ^ "New Energy Tax Credit for Plug-in Hybrids Purchased in 2009". Fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  14. ^ IRS Tax Credit Information, IRS. Retrieved 29 July 2006.
  15. ^ Tax credits for some hybrid cars halved, USA Today, Update as of July 21, 2006
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Government_incentives_for_fuel_efficient_vehicles_in_the_United_States&oldid=712803946"