2 days ago
With Tariffs Looming, Automakers' EV Incentives Are Booming
This month Nissan is offering a $10,000 cash rebate on its full-electric Ariya.
Though Kelley Blue Book reports that while new-vehicle transaction prices once again rose last month to a national average of $48,907, full-electric car, truck and SUVs are becoming more affordable. Year over year, new EV prices have dropped by 2.8%, with automakers' cash, lease and financing incentives becoming more plentiful and valuable, now averaging more than $8,400 per vehicle.
There's also a heightened sense of urgency in play as the one-time $7,500 federal tax credit/rebate on 15 still-eligible EVs is set to expire on September 30 as part of the recently passed budget bill. That's likely to further erode EV sales and leases, as a recent survey found that 53% of current EV owners considered the tax rebate to be a major factor in their buying decisions.
As it now stands the credit can only be claimed by income-qualifying buyers on a relative handful of EVs that meet certain requirements for domestic production and are priced under $50,000 for passenger cars and $80,000 for trucks, vans and SUVs. Some automakers have managed to exploit a loophole in the legislation that passes all or part of the incentive to those who lease an EV that otherwise doesn't qualify for the credit.
In addition, it's yet to be seen to what extent Trump's tariffs will ultimately affect the sticker prices on both imported models and those built in the U.S. with parts and systems built elsewhere on the globe. Some brands have already announced they'll be standing ground on retail prices, at least for the time being, while others will either hike their MSRPs to cover some or all of the tariff costs or adjust their U.S. market offerings to help keep their core customers. reports that Mercedes-Benz is going in the other direction and will be cutting the sticker prices of its slow-selling EQ-Class electric vehicles by amounts ranging from $4,150 to $12,950 for the 2026 model year.
A deep dive into automakers' websites uncovered more than 40 sizzling summer incentives being offered on EVs of all styles and sizes this month, with some deals extending into August. These include buyers' rebates as generous as $10,750, financing rates at or near 0.0% and lease bonus cash as rich as $11,500. We're noting the best of the best deals below, and cite the 15 models that remain eligible for the federal tax credit.
Note that several automakers also offer special cash-back rebates for current owners, those driving competitors' vehicles, members of the military and first responders. On the downside, advertised lease and financing deals are typically limited to consumers having top credit scores and qualifying household incomes. Some rebates may be limited to those financing a vehicle purchase through an automakers' captive finance division.
Finally, be aware that incentives may vary from one part of the country to another to address supply and demand issues. Check automakers' websites under a 'Special Offers,' 'Local Deals' or similar tab for details on what's being offered locally.
Best Electric-Vehicle Incentives For July 2025
