As of this writing, posted August 30, 2025, there are only 30 days remaining to qualify for the $7,500.00 federal tax credit for purchasing an F-150 Lightning EV.

Unlike a federal tax deduction, which reduces income that is taxed, a federal tax credit reduces tax that is owed. Therefore, a tax credit is far more attractive than a tax deduction.

I prepared a snap shot of the qualifying versions of F-150 EVs (ie, XLT, Flash, & Lariat qualify, but Platinum models over $80K do not), as well as adjusted gross income limitations to qualify for the credit.

The credit must be applied for and approved at time of purchase, in coordination with qualified dealer, using the IRS Energy Credits Online website.

The sunset date of September 30, 2025 is the last day to sign a purchase contract with a paid deposit. Vehicle delivery can take place after the September 30 deadline.

As always, consult your tax advisor, accountant, attorney, priest, pastor, rabbi, psychologist, mother, neighbor, bartender, and buddies before making any decisions.

The websites of the Department of Energy, the Internal Revenue Service, and the EPA were referenced in the preparation of the snapshot of rules and procedures as published by these agencies on 29 AUG 25.



Get it while you can... as it seems doubtful that we will ever see federal tax incentives on EV Lightnings in their present form ever again.

 

This news is one of the driving factors that put a Lightning in my driveway a couple weeks ago.

This $7500 ($8500 around here where I live because dealers are chipping in on it) takes a lot of the sting out of the added cost of EV vs ICE and makes the decision a toss-up. I think Ford (and all other EV makers) know that after 9-30-25 it's going to be an uphill battle because the deals right now are amazing. And when you consider that they are throwing in a level 2 charge station and installation for free, it sweetens the pot even more.

 

Another tip is to have the dealer check the IRS system https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductio...credits-online to verify that the particular VIN number is listed as eligible. It has been reported that Ford failed to register some 2025 VINs with either the DOE or IRS and therefore some VIN numbers are not in the system as eligible. If the VIN is not eligible the dealer will get a rejection when trying to log the sale. The dealer is required to give you a copy of the "Time of Sale" report. If they do not offer it then insist they provide it before completing the sale.

If you buy one it is advisable to get the credit transferred to the dealership at Time of Sale and have them apply it as a down payment. Then if there is any issue with vehicle eligibility the dealer is on the hook, not you.

Don't let this glitch hinder you from considering buying or leasing a Lightning. If it meets your needs and once you drive one you may be hooked.

 

Interesting. When I got mine, the dealer had two left. They had 8, sold 6, and so the remaining 2 were identical trucks except for color. One was Oxford White and the other was Space White. I asked for the Space White one. That was definitely my preference. But the salesman said, "Naaa...that one's got some miles on it so we have to work up the deal on this (Oxford) one." I didn't care if the Space White truck had a few hundred miles on it...didn't bother me at all. But they weren't playing ball. So I wonder if this VIN eligibility issue could be the reason? Hmm...

 

LAST CALL.

If you are considering ordering an EV that qualifies for a Tax Credit you need to place the order no later than tomorrow 9/30/25.
If you are leasing then you need to finalize the Lease tomorrow and take possession of the EV no later than tomorrow.