The federal government’s long-standing tax incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) are coming to an end. Congress officially passed legislation that terminates those benefits, and buyers now have until September 30 to qualify for up to $7,500 on new EVs and $4,000 on used ones. After that, those credits will no longer be available.

So what does this mean for drivers considering a switch to electric? According to experts, EVs are still worth it, even without the federal boost.

Why the Tax Credit Matters

Until now, these credits helped bridge the price gap between electric and gas-powered vehicles. New EVs average about $9,000 more than comparable gas cars, while used EVs cost roughly $2,000 more, according to Kelley Blue Book.

That federal support, along with various state-level incentives, made EVs more accessible—especially for lower- and middle-income buyers.

“This is really disappointing,” said Ingrid Malmgren, Senior Policy Director at Plug In America. “These credits were a great way to lower the cost burden of transportation energy for everyday people.”

Still Cheaper to Drive and Maintain Long-Term

Even without federal tax credits, EVs remain cheaper to own over time, Malmgren says. That’s largely due to lower fuel and maintenance costs.

“Very quickly, you’re spending less than you would with a gas car,” she said. “EVs cost much less to fuel and need far less maintenance.”

EVs don’t require oil changes and have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines. This translates into lower upkeep and repair costs. The exact savings will vary based on how much you drive, local electricity rates, and fuel prices, but the long-term math still favors EVs.

What the Research Shows

A 2020 study published in the journal Joule found that, on average, U.S. EV drivers saved around $7,700 on fuel over 15 years, even without factoring in tax credits or maintenance costs. In states with lower electricity prices—like Washington—drivers could save over $14,000.

Many online tools now help consumers estimate when their EV investment breaks even compared to a gas car.

EVs Remain the Cleaner Choice—Even with Coal Power

Some skeptics point to the pollution involved in manufacturing EVs or the emissions tied to coal-generated electricity. But experts say the overall carbon footprint of an EV is still significantly lower.

Once an EV reaches about 15,000 miles, it typically becomes less polluting than a gas vehicle, said Peter Slowik, a transportation researcher at the International Council on Clean Transportation.

By the end of its life, an EV’s total emissions are around 50% lower than those of a comparable gas-powered vehicle, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Cleaner Across the Board—Even in Coal States

A 2023 study by Yale Climate Connections showed that even in coal-reliant states like West Virginia, EVs still produce 31% less carbon pollution than gas cars.

That’s because EVs are far more energy-efficient. For example, Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 can travel over 100 miles on the energy equivalent of a gallon of gas.

“If you’re comparing that to a car that gets 25 mpg,” said Slowik, “you’re looking at four to five times the energy efficiency.”

Bottom Line: EVs Still Make Sense—Even Without the Tax Break

While the loss of federal incentives is a major shift, experts agree that EVs remain a smart financial and environmental choice—especially for drivers planning to keep their vehicles for several years.

Whether you’re motivated by long-term savings, lower maintenance, or a reduced carbon footprint, there’s still plenty of value in going electric.

Key Takeaways

• Federal EV tax credits end Sept. 30, 2024

• EVs cost more upfront but are cheaper to operate

• Drivers can save $7,000–$14,000+ on fuel over 15 years

• EVs emit less carbon—even when charged with coal power

• Experts say EVs remain the more efficient and cleaner choice

Source: AP News – What to know about buying electric vehicles after the federal tax incentives end

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From electric batteries that charge in just five minutes, to futuristic flying cars and highly advanced assisted driving technology, the event was a high-energy spectacle that captivated both crowds and live-streaming audiences. But this year, unlike previous shows dominated by legacy brands like GM, Volkswagen, and BMW, the spotlight belonged to China’s EV innovators.

One of the most talked-about moments at the show was the unveiling of the Denza Z, an electric sports car from BYD, China’s largest carmaker. Known for its “extreme performance” and “pure emotional design,” the Denza Z drew applause from the crowd, a testament to how far Chinese automakers have come. The excitement was palpable, with attendees cheering and shouting “We love you” in support of the cutting-edge EV.

Meanwhile, in another part of the exhibition, tech giant Xiaomi, traditionally known for smartphones and electronics, showcased its EV offerings. Nio, another Chinese powerhouse, revealed its luxurious ET9 sedan, which rivals top-tier European models like the BMW 7-Series and Porsche Panamera.

These reveals underscore a shift in the global automotive landscape. China, once seen as a producer of low-cost knock-offs, is now at the forefront of the rapidly expanding global EV market. And the world is taking notice.

The rise of China’s EV industry is especially significant given the ongoing U.S.-China trade war. President Trump’s tariffs on imported vehicles have created uncertainty for American automakers. However, Chinese EV makers are relatively insulated from this because they have already shifted their focus to international markets beyond the U.S. After all, China controls more than 60% of the global EV market, according to energy analytics firm Rho Motion.

While the U.S. pushes for a revival of its auto industry, China’s EV sector is gaining a significant competitive edge. With foreign automakers like Tesla, General Motors, and Volkswagen grappling with tariffs and trade restrictions, China’s electric carmakers are positioning themselves as global players.

The competition among Chinese EV makers is intense, driving rapid innovation. Just last month, BYD released a battery that could charge its cars in five minutes, providing 250 miles of range. But the company was quickly upstaged by Chinese battery giant CATL, which revealed a new battery capable of delivering 320 miles in the same time.

Tech firms like Huawei and Momenta are also pushing forward with advancements in intelligent driving technology, while BYD is adding more features to its cars, including its “God’s Eye” driver-assistance system at no extra charge. The speed at which China is innovating has taken even foreign companies by surprise.

As one industry veteran remarked, “We came back after the country reopened, and we immediately realized: Wow, China has changed so much.” This rapid pace of development is transforming the automotive landscape, with Chinese automakers now leading the charge in both technology and value for money.

Chinese consumers have become increasingly discerning, seeking out vehicles that offer not only cutting-edge technology but also affordability. The Shanghai Auto Show demonstrated this perfectly. Carmakers showcased cars equipped with luxurious features like heated seats, massage functions, and advanced entertainment systems—at a fraction of the cost of their foreign counterparts.

One American businessman attending the show was shocked to find a car with a moonroof, voice control, and ample legroom for just $20,000. “We were expecting a much higher price,” he said, highlighting the value Chinese automakers offer compared to their Western counterparts.

Despite the fierce competition, Chinese EV makers are not deterred. Many are looking to expand into global markets, with Chinese exports growing steadily. In the first quarter of this year, Chinese manufacturers exported 441,000 EVs, including hybrids—up more than 40% from the same period last year.

Foreign automakers, such as Volkswagen, are also recognizing China’s dominance in the EV sector. Volkswagen’s CEO, Ralf Brandstätter, emphasized the company’s “in China, for China” approach, ramping up its EV efforts and forging partnerships with Chinese tech firms to stay competitive in the market.

China’s automotive transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Just two decades ago, China had little to no car culture. The country was known as the “kingdom of bicycles.” However, with rapid economic growth and the rise of a middle class, China became a key player in the global auto market. Today, half of all cars sold in China are electric or hybrid models, a far cry from just a few years ago.

This shift has been driven by a combination of government support, private investment, and visionary entrepreneurs like Wang Chuanfu, the founder of BYD. Since its early days in the 1990s, BYD has become a global force in the EV market, surpassing Tesla in 2024 to become the world’s largest EV maker in terms of sales.

China’s dominance in the EV sector is reshaping the global automotive industry. For the U.S. and other Western nations, this shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity. As Chinese automakers continue to innovate and expand their reach, foreign brands are scrambling to catch up. Partnerships with Chinese firms are becoming increasingly common, as companies look to tap into China’s growing tech and EV expertise.

But the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China could make the future uncertain. As tariffs continue to increase, Chinese automakers may face additional hurdles when trying to enter Western markets. However, their ability to innovate rapidly and deliver high-quality, affordable vehicles positions them to thrive in an increasingly electric world.

The rise of China’s EV industry is not just a passing trend. It’s a seismic shift in the global automotive market, one that promises to reshape the way the world thinks about electric vehicles. With China’s focus on affordability, technological advancements, and global expansion, its EV sector is poised to dominate the future of transportation.

As China continues to lead the charge in the EV revolution, the question remains: Is the rest of the world ready to keep up?

Source: CNN – China’s electric vehicle industry is preparing to take on the world. Is America ready?

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Ford EV owners should follow the link on Ford’s notice to make sure it has the right address on file. If it is, they won’t need to do anything else to get their replacement, but if not, the company says customers need to update their address by October 24th.

Ford will supply a replacement adapter in the coming weeks and provide return instructions to send back your existing adapter – both at no cost. It is imperative that we receive all adapters affected to reduce the risk of potential vehicle damage.

Ford will reportedly start shipping replacement adapters to customers during the week of October 28th. Only “a certain recent batch” of Ford’s North American Charging Standard adapters are impacted, according to InsideEV. Both Rivian and General Motors told the outlet that they have not identified any similar issues with their own adapters.

Source: Ford tells some EV customers to stop using its Tesla Supercharger adapter

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