EV Incentives

[dpeilow]

$33M in EV tax credits went to buy unqualified vehicles

[doug]

$33M in EV tax credits went to buy unqualified vehicles

That sort of thing shouldn't be up to the IRS to enforce anyhow. We dump too much public policy into the tax code. Another reason why a point of sale credit would be better.

[TEG]

...Another reason why a point of sale credit would be better.

And in case anyone missed it, such a conversion is being proposed:

http://evinsider.com/obama-proposes-...ates-for-2011/

[ryanjm]

A couple of corrections and additional info. The cap is $2,000 (not 1,500); so you could spend $4k or more and get up to a $2k credit. This is a 50% federal tax credit, and it is subject to AMT (in other words if you owe AMT you could lose the benefit, partially or all of it). At the moment the credit expires at the end of this year (2010), but it *may* get extended, but would not count on that. The hardwired HPC itself most definitely counts, as would labor from a qualified electrician (properly documented), but I don't think you could charge labor for your own work (if you have those talents). I am less certain about the portable equipment; the EVSE itself *might* be eligible, but not sure. And even less certain is the installation of a receptacle, as it could "feed" other equipment and is not dedicated to EV. The equipment must be "placed in service" by 12/31/2010 (or whatever the extension of the credit might be). Other discussions about what "in service" means that I've perused lead to a variety of conclusions, but my personal opinion is, if it works by 12/31/10 it counts. Others say take a photo for documentation (as in ... you're expecting a LEAF in 2011, but want the EVSE credit in 2010; bring a friend (or dealer) over with their LEAF and charge it).

IRS form (with instructions): http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8911.pdf (Haven't found the 2010 form yet.)

Edit: for businesses the credit goes up to $50k ! But it gets complicated (Sec 179, depreciation, etc).

I was just about to make a thread to ask this question but it looks like this thread is the right place to ask it.

I'm planning on buying a Model S in 2012 or 2013 (depending on delivery rate, etc.), and it looks like this 50% Federal Charging Infrastructure Tax Credit is only good through this year. My question, if anyone happens to know the answer, is this:

Would I be eligible for this tax credit if I install a Tesla HPC in 2011, even if I won't actually be getting the car in 2011? I read through the IRS form that ChargeIt linked and it doesn't explicitly say that you have to have the car...

Thanks all!

[dsm363]

Would I be eligible for this tax credit if I install a Tesla HPC in 2011, even if I won't actually be getting the car in 2011? I read through the IRS form that ChargeIt linked and it doesn't explicitly say that you have to have the car...

I would wait until it's announced what plug the Model S will use to charge. I hope it's not the Tesla connector the Roadster uses (same as Tesla HPC) and has the J1772 and maybe a DC fast charging plug as well. If you buy the Tesla HPC, it may not be compatible with the Model S without an adapter.

[Lloyd]

I believe that the Charging infrastructure for 2010 was 50%. It went to 30% in 2011.

Tesla was offering HPC at 30% discount if you make it Public.

[ryanjm]

I appreciate the quick replies guys, and you're right: it's wisest to wait until Tesla details the charging system for Model S. It's too bad that may not happen in 2011 -- a 30% discount on charging infrastructure would be great!

[dsm363]

I appreciate the quick replies guys, and you're right: it's wisest to wait until Tesla details the charging system for Model S. It's too bad that may not happen in 2011 -- a 30% discount on charging infrastructure would be great!

You'll probably know by the end of 2011 what kind of charging plugs the Model S will accept.

[Lloyd]

I would do all of your electrical work that you need to do this year, ie, run the 240 lines to boxes as necessary with #6 copper wire (good to 75 amps) and stub it to the box, or install a NEMA 14-50 plug (good to 50 amps) this year and decuct the cost at 30%. I did! If you need to change the rest later at least you have deducted the majority of the infastructure while it is still available.

[PaulM]

run the 240 lines to boxes as necessary with #6 copper wire (good to 75 amps)

#6 copper wire is good to 75 amps only if the insulation is rated @ 90C (194F). I'm not an expert in wiring so I don't know if this is common but personally, I went with #4 wire, rated to 70A with 60C insulation. Don't forget that you can only pull 80% of this.

You can find the AWG wire sizes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge