Hey everyone, DennisCW here! If you're in the market for a used Tesla or any electric vehicle, you might want to pay close attention to this. Recent buzz from dealers suggests that the popular $4,000 used EV tax credit could be facing some serious hurdles. In this post, I'll break down what's happening based on my latest video, share some insights from trusted sources, and wrap up with my top recommendations for essential Tesla accessories. Let's dive in!
For those unfamiliar, the $4,000 tax credit for used electric vehicles has been a game-changer, allowing buyers to get instant savings at the point of sale. Dealers submit the necessary info, and boom—approval comes through quickly, making deals smoother and more affordable.
But lately, things aren't looking so rosy. Dealers are reporting that the submission system is throwing up "pending review" or "not approved" messages instead of instant approvals. This shift could mean delays of up to five or six months for payments, or worse, no payment at all in some cases.
Shoutout to our friend Chip from Electric or Hybrid and Electric Car Sales in Tennessee—if you're shopping for a used EV in that area, definitely hit him up. Chip and I did a mini podcast together, and he's been vocal on TikTok about these issues. He mentioned that when he sees "pending review," it often leads to no payout, which is a huge red flag for dealers.
I've chatted with other dealers too, and the consensus is clear: This uncertainty is making them nervous. For a vehicle priced between $20,000 and $30,000, fronting $4,000 without guaranteed reimbursement is a big risk. As a result, some dealers might hesitate to offer the credit upfront or could structure deals differently—perhaps holding the $4,000 in escrow until approval comes through.
If you're about to pull the trigger on a used Tesla or EV, be aware of this. Dealers might push for alternative arrangements to protect themselves. On a positive note, after talking to a few folks recently, it seems the system is starting to improve a bit. Still, it's not the seamless process it once was.
This could even spill over to new EVs and the $7,500 federal tax credit. If point-of-sale approvals falter, you might end up filing for the credit on your taxes instead—something to keep in mind for future purchases.
We also recommend checking out Cheap Tesla for great deals—they've got a special Dennis Deal on their vehicles. If you've recently bought a Tesla or are planning to, drop your thoughts in the comments below. Have you run into these issues?
Speaking of buying a Tesla—did you know they come with zero accessories? Not even a basic phone mount! But don't sweat it; I've got you covered with some must-haves that every Tesla owner should consider.
In my experience, these are the top picks:
All these and more are available from our partner, Jova. I personally use their products, so I can vouch for the quality. Use our promo code (check the description in my video) to save some cash and support the channel. Plus, get free shipping on orders over $120!
Jova goes beyond the basics too:
Thanks to Jova for partnering with us—check out the link in my video description to shop now.
The $4,000 used EV tax credit might not be dead yet, but it's definitely not as reliable as before. Stay informed, talk to your dealer, and consider how this could affect your purchase. And if you're gearing up your new ride, those Jova accessories will make your Tesla experience even better.
What do you think? Have you encountered delays with EV incentives? Let me know in the comments, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more updates. Drive safe!
Disclaimer: This post is based on current reports and discussions; always verify with official sources for the latest on tax credits.
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.