IRS Reveals Which Tesla Models Qualify for the 2023 U.S. Tax Credit

By Kevin Armstrong
The IRS has released which Tesla models will qualify for the 2023 tax credit
The IRS has released which Tesla models will qualify for the 2023 tax credit
Tesla

As of January 1, 2023, Americans can claim a $7,500 tax credit when buying a Tesla (and other electric vehicles). The Inflation Reduction Act allows eligible buyers the opportunity to claim a clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 under Internal Revenue Code Section 30D.

We knew this was coming, and it slowed demand as shoppers were delaying their purchases until the new year. However, Tesla introduced an end-of-year sale, discounting their vehicles by $7,500 to encourage people not to wait.

Tesla Models That Qualify for the Tax Credit

The Tesla discount disappears on December 31, 2022, and the new government tax credit kicks in. But it is important to note that not all Teslas qualify for the clean vehicle tax credit. Model S and Model X are not on the list of eligible vehicles due to price, but the rear wheel and long-range versions of the Model 3 did make the list if the manufacturer's suggested retail price is below $55,000.

Six versions of the Model Y also made the list. They include the all-wheel drive, long-range and performance versions in the five-seat and seven-seat variations. Interestingly, Tesla does not produce a Model Y Performance in the seven-passenger setup, but it’s available for credit.

The IRS appears to work closely with vehicle manufacturers to determine eligible models. This could be telling of what Tesla plans to offer in 2023.

We may not only see a seven-seater performance Model Y, but we may also see Tesla reintroduce the Long Range Model 3 or Model Y for under $55,000 in 2023.

The Model Y all-wheel drive, long-range and performance five-seat variants do not currently qualify for the tax rebate according to the IRS since their MSRP is above the $55,000 threshold. We'll have to see if Tesla makes any changes to these models to get them under the $55,000 MSRP limit.

Model Year Vehicle Description Applicable MSRP Limit
2023 Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive $55,000
2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range $55,000
2023 Tesla Model Y All-Wheel Drive - 7 seat variant (3-rows) $80,000
2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range - 7 seat variant (3-rows) $80,000
2023 Tesla Model Y Performance - 7 seat variant (3-rows) $80,000
2023 Tesla Model Y All-Wheel Drive - 5 seat variant (2-rows) $55,000
2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range - 5 seat variant (2-rows) $55,000
2023 Tesla Model Y Performance - 5 seat variant (2-rows) $55,000

Older EVs also Qualify

The tax credits are not just for vehicles purchased in 2023. According to the IRS’ website, purchases made between August 17 (when the legislation was announced) and December 31, 2022, may also qualify for a tax break. There is also a used EV tax credit allowing consumers tax credits for up to $4,000 or 30% of the cost of a used EV that’s at least two years old.

To check if your vehicle meets requirements, use the vehicle identification number decoder on the Department of Energy’s website.

What is the Inflation Reduction Act?

The government says the Inflation Reduction Act is “the most significant climate legislation in U.S. history.” It includes $739 billion aimed at “green power, lower costs through tax credits, reduce emissions, and advance environmental justice.” When announced, the government said, “It will offer new access to tax credits as well as grants and incentives to reduce air pollution.”

The Inflation Reduction Act also has several credits available for EV charging. There is a property credit for companies that install EV chargers. The IRS will offset up to 30 percent of the total costs of purchase and installation of charging equipment, up to $100,000 per charger. Experts believe this new legislation will help the U.S. reduce emissions by 40% by 2030.

Tesla Is Now Offering Cybertruck Test Drives [List of Locations]

By Karan Singh
@brandonhd

Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.

Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.

It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.

Advisor-led Demo

This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.

Once FSD V12.5 comes to the Cybertruck, we’re sure they’ll be demoing its capabilities FSD capabilities as well.

Locations

The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.

  • Manhasset, New York

  • West Covina, California

  • Los Angeles, California

  • Houston, Texas

  • Orlando, Florida

  • Westmont, Illinois

  • Tucson, Arizona

  • Phoenix, Arizona

  • Delaware

Musk Confirms 'Actually Smart Summon' is Coming in a Revision of FSD V12.5

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.

We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.

Vision-based Improvements

ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.

Just recently, Tesla returned the Model X’s self-presenting doors, using Tesla Vision. Vision has seen some fantastic improvements, and many people are waiting for ASS to bring forth these improvements to Smart Summon.

Smart Summon Today

Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.

I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.

Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.

Actually Smart Summon

ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.

We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.

We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.

Park Seek and Banish Autopark

When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.

A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.

While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.

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