With sweeping changes to federal EV incentives just around the corner, American electric vehicle buyers may soon find themselves paying significantly more—unless they act quickly. The long-standing federal EV tax credit, which provides up to $7,500 in savings, is set to expire on September 30, ushering in a new era of pricing and accessibility challenges for both new and used EV shoppers.
In a recent communication to dealerships, Ford sounded the alarm, stating that “demand is expected to increase as the deadline approaches for eligible vehicles.” The automaker is urging its network of dealers to ensure Time of Sale reports are submitted before October 1 to secure current credits for buyers opting to apply the incentive at checkout.
Notably, not all of Ford’s electric lineup qualifies for the full tax credit. The Mustang Mach-E, for instance, doesn’t meet the criteria for a purchase-based tax break due to its Mexican assembly location. However, when leased, the Mach-E remains eligible for the full $7,500 credit—a loophole savvy consumers can still take advantage of. On top of that, Ford is sweetening the deal with its limited-time “Zero, Zero, Zero” promotional campaign.
Replacing the previous employee pricing-for-all strategy, the Zero, Zero, Zero promo includes:
- 0% financing for 48 months
- $0 down payment
- No payments for the first 90 days
Even more enticing, reports from CarsDirect suggest some trims of the Mustang Mach-E are currently available with 0% financing for 60 months, making this perhaps the most affordable moment yet to go electric with Ford.
The impending end of these tax incentives doesn’t just affect new car buyers. Used EV shoppers—a growing segment in today’s cost-conscious market—stand to lose access to credits of up to $4,000. For many Americans, especially those already feeling the pinch of rising living expenses, these federal perks have been a critical bridge to EV ownership.
As the September 30 cutoff looms, industry watchers expect a spike in last-minute EV purchases, lease deals, and a potential bottleneck at dealerships scrambling to process paperwork before the deadline. Ford, for its part, is clearly signaling that now may be the best time in the foreseeable future to buy or lease an electric vehicle.
Bottom line? If you’re eyeing an EV, especially a Ford, don’t wait too long—because in just over two months, today’s prices could be yesterday’s dream.
Source: Ford