$7,500 IRS Clean Vehicle Tax Credit for Used EVs in 2025: Full Eligibility List & How to Claim It at the Dealer

 

Updated November 2025 | Works at any dealer | No income limits for used EVs

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Yes — You Can Still Get $7,500 Off a Used EV in 2025

The IRS Clean Vehicle Credit gives you up to $7,500 off a used electric car — even if you buy from a small lot or online.

But only certain models qualify, and you must act before rules change in 2026. This guide shows you exactly how to claim it — at the dealership or on your taxes.

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2025 Used EV Tax Credit: Quick Eligibility Checklist

Requirement	Details
Price	Used EV must cost $25,000 or less (before taxes/fees)
Model Year	2019 or newer
Battery	At least 10 kWh (all modern EVs qualify)
Seller	Must be a licensed dealer (not private sale)
Your Income	No limit for used EVs (unlike new)
One Per Person	Only one credit every 3 years

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Full List: 2025 Used EVs That Qualify for $7,500 Credit

Model	Avg. Used Price	Battery	Real Range	Dealer Example
Chevy Bolt EV (2020–2022)	$16,000–$22,000	66 kWh	240–259mi	CarMax, EchoPark
Nissan Leaf SV Plus (2021–2023)	$18,000–$23,000	62 kWh	215 mi	Nissan Certified
Tesla Model 3 Standard (2019–2020)	$22,000–$25,000	50–75 kWh	220–310mi	Tesla CPO
Hyundai Kona Electric (2020–2022)	$19,000–$24,000	64 kWh	258 mi	Hyundai Dealer
Kia Niro EV (2020–2022)	$20,000–$25,000	64 kWh	239 mi	Kia Certified

Source: IRS.gov + Kelley Blue Book Nov 2025

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Step-by-Step: Claim $7,500 at the Dealer (or on Taxes)

Option 1: Instant Discount at Dealer (Easiest)

1. Find a participating dealer (most big ones are)
2. Pick a qualifying used EV under $25k
3. Dealer fills IRS Form 8936 → you get $7,500 off the price
4. Drive away — no tax filing needed

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Option 2: Claim on 2025 Taxes (If Dealer Doesn’t Offer)

1. Buy from any licensed dealer
2. Get sales contract + VIN
3. File Form 8936 with your 2025 taxes
4. IRS sends you $7,500 refund (or reduces tax bill)

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Real Example: Save $7,500 on a 2021 Chevy Bolt

Item	Cost
Used Price	$19,900
Tax Credit	–$7,500
You Pay	$12,400
Monthly (60 mo @ 6%)	~$240

Same as a used Honda Civic — but electric!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get $7,500 on a private sale?

No — must be a licensed dealer.

What about state rebates?

Yes! Stack with:

• California: $2,000–$4,000
• Colorado: $6,000
• Illinois: $4,000

Does Tesla qualify?

Yes — 2019–2020 Model 3 under $25k.

Do I need to file taxes to get it?

Only if dealer doesn’t offer instant credit.

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Last updated: November 2025