EV Tax Credit Details and More EV News

Many Americans want to know if their next EV purchase qualifies for a full, half, or any tax credit. We also have news on the new Kia EV9 three-seater, GM moving on from Apple’s CarPlay, how to become an EV expert, and high-power charging for a truck stop.

A three-seater Kia EV9 SUV will be sold in the 2024 model year.

Kia EV9 and its Third Row

EV model variety has been a sticking point with consumers, but trucks arrived last year via Rivian and Ford, and now a sizeable third-row SUV is coming from Kia. Tesla has offered third-row vehicles, but the eye-catching 2024 EV9 provides a more traditional SUV third-row (image above). Below are the preliminary specifications:

• RWD Long Range

  • Single 150 kW (201 hp) motor paired with 99.8 kWh battery pack

  • Est. 0-62 mph time is 9.4 seconds

• RWD Standard Range

  • Single 160 kW (214 hp) motor paired with 76.1-kWh battery pack

  • Est. 0-62 mph time of 8.2 seconds

• AWD

  • Two motors totaling 283 kW (379 hp) paired with 99.8 kWh battery pack

The “e” symbol designates that the cars qualify for the U.S. EV tax credit. (Source: Electric Vehicle Association)

Proposed EV Tax Credit Rule to be Finalized on April 18

On March 31, the Treasury Department gave guidance on battery material requirements for automakers. A tax credit of $3,750 can now be given to automakers if critical minerals fall under the new Clean Vehicle Credit. Treasury will release guidance and final rules on April 18. For more information on EV tax credits, the Electric Vehicle Association created an EV guide for vehicles that may qualify for these tax credits.

Seven Terms That Can Help You Become an Electric Vehicle Expert

Battery packs, power ratings, and EPA range are new terms for early EV adopters and car consumers. This article offers in-depth explanations of seven key EV concepts, including efficiency and how this is used to compare EPA ratings to gas cars. See below:

More than ten years ago, the EPA wanted to come up with a way to show how efficient EVs are compared to gasoline cars. It created MPGe—which stands for miles per gallon equivalent—that is directly comparable to a gas vehicle's mpg number on an energy basis, by dividing the energy the EV uses by the typical amount contained in one gallon of gasoline (33.7 kWh).

Save this article and refer back to it at upcoming EVA ride-and-drive events this Spring.

GM will be adding a Google software into its EVs starting in 2024 with the Chevy Blazer (Source: Apple CarPlay)

GM Drops Apple CarPlay

Software integration is a challenge for legacy automakers, and GM recently announced that it would be switching from Apple CarPlay to a new Google car platform. GM will offer Google software in its new EVs, starting with the 2024 Chevrolet EV Blazer.

California Unveils DC Charging Station for Trucks

San Diego Gas and Electric (SG&E) showcased four public, direct current (DC) fast chargers at truck stop just north of Otay Mesa Port of Entry. This port serves medium- and heavy-duty trucks and is part of robust effort in southern California to reduce emissions from the trucking industry. The charging stations can deliver 250 KW and charge a medium-duty box truck from 20 to 80% in approximately an hour.

Find What Cars Qualify for the EV Tax Credits

The Electric Vehicle Association is now offering a EV Tax Credit guide on popular EV models and which ones qualify for a tax credit.