Do Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Qualify for EV Tax Credits?

Did you know the average American spends thousands on gas each year? Whether you're driving a Tesla Model 3, a Ford F-150 Lightning, or another electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), you might qualify for an electric vehicle (EV) tax credit. More people are choosing hybrid and electric vehicles to cut fuel costs and reduce their carbon footprint, with the bonus of an EV tax credit.

Understanding the Electric Vehicle Tax Credit

If you own an electric vehicle, you may qualify for an EV tax credit. Check the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website for the latest list of qualifying vehicles, as eligibility can change. Generally, you can focus on two types of vehicles: electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

• Electric Vehicle (EV): Runs solely on electricity with zero emissions, offering a longer electric range but requiring more frequent charging.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor. These vehicles have a shorter electric range but provide flexibility with gasoline backup. PHEVs qualify for the EV tax credit due to their ability to operate on electricity alone, unlike non-plug-in hybrids.

An electric vehicle tax credit acts as a discount on the tax you owe. As of January 2025, the credit is non-refundable; it can only reduce your taxes, not provide a refund. For example, if you owe $1,000 in taxes and qualify for a $1,500 credit, it reduces your tax to zero, but you won't get the extra $500. If you owe $3,000 and get the same credit, it lowers your tax to $1,500. Your dealer reports the sale to the IRS, allowing EV owners to reduce or eliminate taxes owed on the vehicle. Both individuals and businesses may qualify for the EV tax credit.

Who Regulates Electric Vehicles in the US?

Standards for vehicle emissions are set by multiple agencies. Currently, the primary agencies working to set EV standards include:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Oversees emissions and environmental standards for vehicles.
• Department of Energy (DOE): Supports the development and deployment of EV technologies and infrastructure.
• Department of Transportation (DOT): Works with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to set safety and performance standards for vehicles.

What Percentage of Cars Will Be Electric by 2030?

A Department of Transportation survey found Americans take over 1 billion trips a day—four for every person in the U.S. This results in significant environmental impacts, leading the federal government to set a goal: having 50% of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. be zero-emission by 2030.

What Is the U.S. Policy on EVs?

U.S. policies on electric vehicles aim to reduce vehicle emissions. These policies primarily affect vehicle manufacturers. While more eco-friendly vehicles could be seen on the roads in the future due to these policies, there are no laws that currently restrict motorists in owning or driving vehicles, whether they run on an internal combustion engine, a hybrid battery, or a fully electric system.

Is It Worth Getting an EV?

Driving an electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can significantly benefit both individuals and the environment:

• Fuel Savings: EVs and PHEVs can greatly reduce or eliminate spending on gasoline.
• Reduced Maintenance: With fewer parts than vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE), EVs and PHEVs allow for lower maintenance costs.
• Environmental Impact: EVs and PHEVs cut gasoline use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants, which benefits the environment.

In addition to these advantages, incentives may be available for some drivers of EVs, including:

• Priority Parking: Many locations offer dedicated parking spaces for EVs, often situated near entrances of buildings, similarly to how wheelchair accessible parking spaces are situated near building entrances.
• Use of Specialized Traffic Lanes: In some areas, EVs can use lanes typically reserved for vehicles with multiple passengers, known as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Use of these lanes can reduce commute times. Check road signs to determine which traffic lanes, if any, can be utilized by EV drivers.
• Rebates: Electricity companies, vehicle manufacturers, and states may offer rebates on EV purchases and home chargers, providing financial incentives beyond the EV tax credit.

Does BraunAbility have Electric or Hybrid Wheelchair Vans?

The BraunAbility Toyota Sienna Hybrid wheelchair van offers a sustainable choice, helping to reduce your carbon footprint—or, more fittingly, your tire mark for wheelchair users. Although current BraunAbility models don't qualify for the EV tax credit, we're committed to innovating toward more environmentally friendly solutions for people with disabilities. For the latest updates on eco-friendly wheelchair accessible vehicles and tax credits, contact your local BraunAbility dealer.