Tax Credits for Hybrid Vehicles

Order Code RS22558

Updated February 7, 2008

Tax Credits for Hybrid Vehicles

Salvatore Lazzari

Specialist in Public Finance

Resources, Science, and Industry Division

Summary

Hybrid vehicles are propelled by a standard gasoline (or diesel) internal combustion

engine in combination with an electric motor (and battery storage system), which

improves fuel economy. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 replaced a $2,000 deduction for

hybrids with a system of tax credits that vary according to fuel efficiency and estimated

lifetime fuel savings, compared with a 2002 comparable gasoline-only model. These

credits, which range from $250 to $3,400 per vehicle, went into effect on January 1,

2006, and are available through December 31, 2009. However, there is an approximately

60,000-per-manufacturer limit on the number of hybrid vehicles that would qualify for

the full credit. Toyota reached its limit in the second quarter of 2006, and the credits for

those vehicles are being phased out and will not be available after October 1, 2007.

Honda reached its limit in the third quarter of 2007. U.S. manufacturers (primarily

General Motors and Ford) produce mostly SUV hybrids, which have seen slower

demand. The tax credits for hybrids were enacted to promote energy conservation in the

transportation sector by encouraging the demand for fuel-efficient alternative-technology

vehicles. The 60,000-vehicle limit was imposed to limit the benefits accruing to foreign

hybrid manufacturers, which currently dominate the hybrid market.

Section 1341 of Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT05, P.L. 109-58) provides tax

credits for four types of advanced-technology vehicles (ATVs): hybrid vehicles, fuel cell

vehicles, advanced lean-burn vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles. The hybrid

vehicle tax credits, which are in Internal Revenue Code (IRC) §30B, are part of a

somewhat complex tax credit structure that includes separate credits for hybrid vehicles

weighing 8,500 pounds or less and for hybrid vehicles weighing more than 8,500 pounds.

Credit for Hybrid Vehicles Weighing 8,500 Pounds or Less

For vehicles weighing 8,500 lbs. or less, the formula for computing the credit has

two components: a fuel economy credit, and a conservation credit. The fuel economy

credit depends on how much greater the hybrid’s rated city fuel economy is, in percentage

terms, compared to a base 2002 city fuel economy figure for a vehicle in the same inertia

weight class as the hybrid. The city fuel economy rating used in the formula is the same

figure reported by the vehicle manufacturer to the EPA for purposes of the CAFE

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standards — they are not the “label” city fuel economy ratings published by EPA in its

fuel economy guide (and which appear on the stickers of the 2006 car’s window).1 The

schedule of base fuel economy ratings and the corresponding inertia weight class is

established statutorily as part of §(b)(2)(B) of IRC § 30B).2 The schedule of fuel economy

credits is shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Fuel Economy Credit

If city fuel economy of the hybrid vehicle is:

Credit

at least

but less than

$400

125% of base fuel economy

150% of base fuel economy

$800

150% of base fuel economy

175% of base fuel economy

$1,200

175% of base fuel economy

200% of base fuel economy

$1,600

200% of base fuel economy

225% of base fuel economy

$2,000

225% of base fuel economy

250% of base fuel economy

$2,400

250% of base fuel economy

Source: U.S. Congress, House, Energy Policy Act of 2005, Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6, 109th

Cong., 1st sess., H.Rept. 109-190, Jul. 27, 2005.

Table 2. Conservation Credit

Estimated Lifetime Fuel Savings

(in gallons)

Conservation Amount

At least 1,200 but less than 1,800

$250

At least 1,800 but less than 2,400

$500

At least 2,400 but less than 3,000

$750

At least 3,000

$1,000

Source: U.S. Congress, House, Energy Policy Act of 2005, Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6, 109th

Cong., 1st sess., H.Rept. 109-190, Jul. 27, 2005.

The second component of the tax credit, the conservation credit, depends on how

much fuel a hybrid saves over 120,000 miles compared with a vehicle in the same inertia

weight class and with the city fuel economy rating of the 2002 base. This part of the credit

is described in Table 2.3

1

Nor are they generally the fuel economy one may experience based on actual driving

experience.

2

In other words, each hybrid vehicle has a corresponding inertia weight which is used to establish

the 2002 city fuel economy base. Inertia weight is basically curb weight plus 300 lbs.

3

Procedurally, the vehicle manufacturer calculates the two tax credit components based on the

above formulas and files for certification with the IRS. U.S. Department of the Treasury. Internal

Revenue Service. IRS Notice 2000-06, February 6, 2006. Cumulative Bulletin: 2006-6.

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Example. As an example of how the total credit would be computed for passenger

cars and light trucks weighing 8,500 lbs. or less (which comprise the vast majority of the

vehicle stock in the United States), consider the 2006 Toyota Highlander 2WD. This

hybrid was rated by Toyota Motor Sales, Inc., as having a city fuel economy of 36.8 miles

per gallon and inertia weight of 4,500 lbs. For vehicles having an inertia weight of 4,500

lbs., the tax code (IRC § 30(B)(b)(2)) establishes a corresponding base city fuel economy

of 17.6 mpg. Since the Highlander is rated at 209% of the base fuel economy (36.8 ÷ 17.6

x 100 = 209%), the purchaser of this vehicle would qualify for a fuel economy tax credit

of $1,600 (as shown in Table 1).

The conservation credit is determined based on the estimated lifetime fuel savings

of the hybrid vehicles over the 2002 base fuel economy. Continuing with the same

example, over 120,000 miles (as specified by statute) the Highlander hybrid would use

an estimated 3,260 gallons of gasoline (120,000 miles ÷ 36.8 mpg), and the standard 2002

vehicle would use 6,818 gallons of gasoline (120,000 miles ÷ 17.6 mpg). Thus, the

estimated lifetime fuel savings would be 3,557 gallons. According to Table 2, the allowed

conservation tax credit corresponding to this fuel savings is $1,000. Thus, the total tax

credit that this taxpayer would be able to claim on his or her 2006 income tax return

would be $2,600 ($1,600 + $1,000).

Credit for Hybrid Vehicles Heavier than 8,500 Pounds

For hybrids weighing more than 8,500 lbs. (heavy duty hybrid vehicles), the credit

is a percent of the qualified marginal or incremental hybrid cost for that vehicle, subject

to certain limits. There are three applicable percentages, each corresponding to differences

in fuel economy relative to a comparable 2002 model gasoline or diesel powered vehicle.

These are shown in Table 3. Column (1) shows the fuel efficiency differences; column

(2) shows the corresponding tax credit as a percent of marginal cost. The marginal cost

of the hybrid vehicle is the difference in the suggested manufacturer selling price between

the hybrid vehicle and a gasoline or diesel powered vehicle comparable in weight, size,

and use, as determined and certified by the manufacturer. As noted, the amount of the tax

credit for heavy vehicles cannot exceed certain limits, which are also specified by statute.

These limits, which depend on the vehicle’s gross weight, are shown in Table 4.

Table 3. Hybrid Credit for Vehicles Weighing More than

8,500 Pounds

Relative Increase in Fuel Economy

Credit as % of Marginal Cost

At least 30% but less than 40%

20%

At least 40% but less than 50%

30%

Greater than or equal to 50%

40%

Source: U.S. Congress, House, Energy Policy Act of 2005, conference report to accompany H.R. 6, 109th

Cong., 1st sess., H.Rept. 109-190, Jul. 27, 2005.

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Table 4. Credit Limit for Vehicles Weighing More than 8,500 Pounds

Gross Vehicle Weight

Maximum Credit Amount

Less than, or equal to, 14,000 lb.

$7,500

At least 14,000 but not more than 26,000 lb.

$15,000

More than 26,000 lb.

$30,000

Source: U.S. Congress, House, Energy Policy Act of 2005, conference report to accompany H.R. 6, 109th

Cong., 1st sess., H.Rept. 109-190, Jul. 27, 2005.

Example. As an example of how the credit would be computed for hybrid vehicles

weighing more than 8,500 lbs (primarily heavy duty trucks such as semis), consider a

hybrid truck weighing 20,000 lbs, rated at 20 mpg, and selling for $150,000. Assume that

a comparable diesel truck is rated at 10 mpg, and sells for $100,000. Because the

difference in mpg is 100% (20 mpg ÷ 10 mpg) the taxpayer would be entitled (tentatively)

to a hybrid vehicle tax credit of $20,000 (40% of $50,000). However, the maximum credit

limit for vehicles in this weight range (Table 4) is $15,000. Thus, this taxpayer could

claim a tax credit of $15,000 against his or her tax liability. No hybrid vehicles weighing

more than 8,500 lbs have been produced that have been certified by the Internal Revenue

Service (IRS).

Definition of Hybrid Vehicle

In each case, the tax statute defines a “hybrid vehicle” as a motor vehicle that draws

propulsion energy from two onboard sources of stored energy: a standard internal

combustion or heat engine using consumable fuel (primarily gasoline), and a rechargeable

energy storage system (or battery). A qualifying hybrid vehicle must meet the applicable

Tier II emissions standards of the Clean Air Act (bin 5 for a vehicle with a gross vehicle

weight rating 6,000 pounds and less; Bin 8 for a vehicle weighing between 6000 and

8,500 pounds). The tax credit for hybrid vehicles is available for vehicles purchased after

December 31, 2005, and before January 1, 2010.

60,000 Vehicle Limitation and Credit Phaseout

The hybrid vehicle tax credits are limited to the sale of the first 60,000 vehicles for

each manufacturer plus any vehicle sold during the first calendar quarter after reaching

its 60,000 vehicle threshold. After that the credit begins to gradually phase out over four

quarters as follows: 50% of the otherwise available tax credit is available in the second

and third quarters after the quarter in which a manufacturer records the sale of 60,000

hybrids; 25% of the otherwise available tax credit is available in the fourth and fifth

calendar quarters after the quarter in which a manufacturer records the sale of the 60,000th

vehicle. Thus, there is a one-quarter delay in reducing the credit, and the phaseout period

is actually one year.

Example. An example of how this limitation works is as follows: Assume that

manufacturer A sells its 60,000th hybrid and advanced lean-burn vehicle in February 2007

(the first quarter). Then the full tax credit is available for purchases made through June

30, 2007 (the second quarter). Half of the credit would be available on purchases made

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from July 1, 2007, through December 31, 2007. One-quarter of the credit would be

available on purchases made from January 1, 2008, through June 30, 2008. No tax credit

would be available for purchases made after June 30, 2008. However, the hybrid vehicle

tax credit ends on December 31, 2009, which means that if the 60,000th vehicle is sold in

September 2009, the full allowable tax credit is available on purchases made through

December 31, 2009. Thus, there would not be a gradual phasing down of the amount of

the tax credit. If the 60,000th vehicle sale occurs in May 2009, then 100% of the credit

could be claimed on sales from July through September 30, 2009, and 50% of the

otherwise allowable credit would be available from October 1, 2009, through December

31, 2009. No credit would be available after that — there would be no reduction to 25%.

Table 6 shows the credit levels for the seven Toyota 2005-2007 models that qualify for

the credit. Credit levels are shown through October 1, 2007. Because Toyota Motor

Corporation reached its 60,000 threshold in the second quarter of 2006, the full credit

ended after the third quarter, half of the otherwise available tax credit is available in the

fourth quarter of 2006 and the first quarter of 2007, and one quarter of the otherwise

allowable credit is available during the second and third quarters of 2007. The credit is

completely phased out for Toyota beginning on October 1, 2007. Honda’s cumulative

sales to dealers reached the 60,000 threshold during the calender quarter ending

September 31, 2007.

Table 6. Scheduled Phaseout of Hybrid Tax Credit for Toyota Motor

Corporation

Full 100%

Credit

When

Purchased

By 9/30/06

50% Credit

When

Purchased

From 10/1/06

through

3/31/07

25% Credit

When

Purchased

From 4/1/07

through 9/30/07

Zero

Beginning

10/1/07

2005, 2006, and

2007 Prius

$3,150.00

$1,575.00

$787.50

$0.00

2006 and 2007

Highlander 2WD

and 4WD

$2,600.00

$1,300.00

$650.00

$0.00

2007 Camry Hybrid

$2,600.00

$1,300.00

$650.00

$0.00

2006 and 2007

Lexus RX 400h

2WD and 4WD

$2,200.00

$1,100.00

$550.00

$0.00

Qualifying Vehicle

2007 Lexus GS450h

$1,550.00

$775.00

$387.50

$0.00

Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury. Internal Revenue Service. Credit for Toyota and

Lexus Hybrids Begins Phase-Out With Reporting of Third Quarter Sales. Internal Revenue

Notice IR-2006-172, November 9, 2006.

Rationale for the Hybrid Vehicle Tax Credits

The hybrid tax credits were part of a broader tax provision in EPACT05 that

provided tax credits for three other categories of ATVs. Subsidizing the purchase of

ATVs through tax credits was viewed by the Congress as a way of generating greater

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consumer demand for, and acceptance of, alternatives to conventional gasoline and diesel

powered automotive technologies, technologies that would be both more fuel efficient and

cleaner. The Congress believed that there was consumer resistance to these technologies

which would be weakened by a system of consumer tax credits. Congress also believed

that in order to achieve these goals, a policy was needed that would transform the mode

of transportation in the United States toward cleaner and more energy efficient ATVs. In

this regard, hybrids and alternative fueled vehicles (e.g., ethanol fueled or flex-fueled

vehicles) were viewed as the short term options; advanced lean-burn and fuel cell vehicles

were viewed as longer-term options. Ultimately, the ideas underlying the hybrid vehicle

tax credits were, first, to promote energy policy goals (petroleum conservation) and

environmental policy goals (reducing emissions of pollutants) by developing more fuel

efficient ATVs. However, while the ultimate goals were focused on energy and

environmental objectives, policymakers wanted to achieve this in a way that benefitted,

or at least did not harm, the domestic auto industry. In particular proponents of the auto

industry wanted to avoid an increase in CAFE standards and other government mandates

— they aspired for a more “free-market” approach, and incentives are more consistent

with this than standards. A brief discussion of the origin and evolution of the hybrid

vehicle tax credits as part of efforts to enact comprehensive energy policy legislation

supports this point.

In 2000 of the 106th Congress, Congressman Kildee and Senator Levin (both of

Michigan) introduced hybrid tax credit legislation (H.R. 4270, introduced in April 2000;

S. 2685, introduced in June 2000). Another Michigan representative, Representative

Camp, also introduced the original CLEAR Act of 2001 (H.R. 1864, Clean Efficient

Automobiles Resulting From Advanced Car Technologies Act), which proposed a system

of hybrid vehicle tax credits very similar to current law but without the 60,000 unit cap.

The same bill was introduced on April 21, 2001, by Senator Hatch in the Senate (S. 760).

For a variety of reasons, these bills, which received support from the auto industry, were

not incorporated into comprehensive energy policy legislation (H.R. 4, or S. 389 and S.

596), which in any event failed to be approved by the Congress. In 2005 another effort

was made to enact comprehensive energy policy legislation. As in earlier versions, the

Senate bill included tax credits for hybrids and other ATVs while the House versions did

not. Subsequent comprehensive energy policy legislation (H.R. 6) did eventually include

the hybrid vehicle tax credits. In the Senate, S. 760 was reintroduced again as S. 971 in

2005 and eventually incorporated into H.R. 6, which became law on August 8, 2005. By

this time, the domestic automobile industry was declining, and the Congress did not want

to enact policies, such as higher CAFE standards, that could be harmful to the industry.

In conference, the House offered to recede on the ATV tax credits but only if the Senate

accepted a 60,000 vehicle limit and the phase-out provisions. The final conference report

on H.R. 6 included this limit. House versions of energy policy legislation did not contain

tax credits for hybrids and other ATVs.

The most likely reason for the cap was to limit estimated revenue losses. But some

analysts speculate that this lower cap was introduced to prevent benefits from accruing

excessively to foreign auto companies at the expense of domestic manufacturers. Since

hybrids were developed in Japan, Japanese manufacturers had an advantage in their

production, particularly by 2005, just before EPACT05 was enacted. The additional

demand for hybrids stimulated by the tax credits, combined with the cap on individual

manufacturers, would be filled by domestic production. Toyota reached its limit in the

second quarter of 2006; Honda reached its limit in the third quarter of 2007.