Hey everyone, DennisCW here! Welcome back to another deep dive into the world of Tesla and electric vehicles (EVs). Today, I’m tackling a hot topic that’s on the minds of many Tesla enthusiasts and potential buyers: the looming deadline of the $7,500 federal tax credit. With a bill in Congress that could potentially eliminate this incentive, time might be running out to snag this significant discount on your Tesla purchase. Let’s break it down, along with some other exciting Tesla updates, and I’ll share my thoughts on what this could mean for the EV market. Buckle up, and let’s get started!
If you’ve been considering a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, the $7,500 federal tax credit has likely been a big factor in your decision. This incentive, which applies whether you purchase, lease, or finance a qualifying EV, can significantly lower the cost of ownership. But here’s the kicker: there’s a bill in Congress that’s taken a step closer to eliminating this credit entirely.
While the bill hasn’t been presented to the Senate yet, it’s already causing a stir. Once it hits the floor, it’ll go through various votes in the House and Senate before potentially reaching the President’s desk. According to Grok, there’s a 75% overall probability that this repeal could happen by December 31, 2025, with an 80% chance in the House, 70% in the Senate, and an 85% likelihood of executive support from Trump, who has publicly opposed the credit.
The federal tax credit was initially introduced to encourage EV adoption and bring manufacturing—like battery production and vehicle assembly—back to the U.S. Companies like Tesla, Rivian, BMW, and others have invested billions to meet these requirements, with many vehicles qualifying for the full or partial credit based on production criteria. However, with political shifts and debates over the necessity of such incentives now that EV adoption is growing, there’s a strong push to phase out or completely eliminate the credit.
If you’ve been on the fence about buying a Tesla, this potential deadline could be the nudge you need. With low financing rates like 0% on the Model 3 and 1.99% on the Model Y, plus the $7,500 credit, the deals are hard to beat right now. And don’t forget, using a Tesla referral code (like mine in the description below) can get you three months of Full Self-Driving for free!
But here’s the flip side: if the credit disappears, will demand for EVs drop? Many of you have told me that without the $7,500, you might hold off on purchasing an EV altogether. On the other hand, there’s a chance Tesla and other manufacturers could step in with their own incentives or price drops to maintain demand. I’m curious—what do you think? Would losing the tax credit stop you from buying a Tesla, or would you still pull the trigger? Let me know in the comments!
In other exciting news, a heavily camouflaged Model Y Performance was recently spotted at Giga Texas, thanks to drone footage from Joe. This has sparked speculation about a potential release—possibly as early as June. Tesla clearly didn’t want any leaks with this vehicle, yet they also seem to want it to be seen, hinting at an upcoming reveal.
A Model Y Performance could bring fresh excitement to the lineup, much like the Model 3 Performance did. Even if not everyone buys the performance trim, it often draws attention to the entire model range, encouraging buyers to consider other variants like the Long Range or Rear-Wheel Drive. What are your thoughts on the Model Y Performance? When do you think it’ll drop, and are you excited about the specs and styling? Drop your predictions below!
Tesla has also made headlines recently with price reductions on the Cybertruck, with discounts of up to $8,550 on certain 2024 all-wheel-drive models in inventory. Forbes reported on this, highlighting potential demand struggles. However, there’s a catch—2024 Cybertrucks aren’t eligible for the $7,500 tax credit on finance or cash purchases, and lease options with buyout potential are limited in many areas.
With high inventory levels for the Cybertruck (the highest among Tesla models), more incentives and creative deals are likely on the horizon. If you’re eyeing a Cybertruck but don’t need it urgently, I’d recommend waiting until Q4 (October-December) when deals typically peak. Plus, with 2025 and even 2026 models potentially entering the mix by year-end, patience could pay off. Are you in the market for a Cybertruck? Let me know if you’re waiting for a better deal or jumping in now!
Speaking of financing, if you’re planning to buy a Tesla, there’s one crucial step you shouldn’t skip: protecting your credit. Data breaches, like the recent one at Bank of America, can expose your personal info for months before you’re even notified. That’s why I use Aura, today’s sponsor, to keep my data safe. Aura scans the dark web for my info, helps reduce spam calls, removes my data from sketchy broker sites, and even offers up to $5 million in identity theft insurance—all in one easy app.
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Additionally, for all-weather floor mats, I recommend 3W Liners. I’ve tested tons of brands, and these are my favorite for our Model X, 3, Y, and Cybertruck. They’ve even released a set for the Model Y Juniper! Use promo code Dennis for 25% off and get a set for under $100. Link in the description!
Lastly, let’s talk insurance. Recent reports suggest Tesla insurance rates are outpacing averages, with Model 3 and Model X premiums hitting $4,000–$4,500 annually compared to $2,200–$2,300 for typical vehicles. However, based on polls from my community, most of you are paying around $180–$200 per month, which aligns with my own costs.
If you’re looking to save, consider Tesla Insurance (where available), Costco Insurance, or Wawanesa (California only). How much are you paying for Tesla insurance? Share your rates and providers in the comments—I’d love to hear!
From the potential end of the $7,500 tax credit to the upcoming Model Y Performance and Cybertruck discounts, there’s a lot happening in the Tesla world. Whether you’re deciding to buy now or wait for Q4 deals, I hope this breakdown helps you navigate your next steps. A huge thanks to everyone who joined the stream, dropped comments, and supported the channel with likes and Super Chats. Shoutout to Tesla54, Francisco, Michael, U-Haul, and others for chiming in!
What are your thoughts on the tax credit, Cybertruck deals, or Model Y Performance? Let me know below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more Tesla deal hacking content. If you’ve got specific questions or want one-on-one support, check out my Patreon group linked in the description. See you in the next one!
— DennisCW
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.