26 USC 30B - Alternative motor vehicle credit

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 14, 2026

§ 30B.

Alternative motor vehicle credit

(a)

Allowance of credit

There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to the sum of—

(1)

the new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit determined under subsection (b),

(2)

the new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit determined under subsection (c),

(3)

the new qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit determined under subsection (d),

(4)

the new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit determined under subsection (e), and

(5)

the plug-in conversion credit determined under subsection (i).

(b)

New qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit

(1)

In general

For purposes of subsection (a), the new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit determined under this subsection with respect to a new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle placed in service by the taxpayer during the taxable year is—

(A)

$8,000 ($4,000 in the case of a vehicle placed in service after December 31, 2009), if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds,

(B)

$10,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 8,500 pounds but not more than 14,000 pounds,

(C)

$20,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds but not more than 26,000 pounds, and

(D)

$40,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds.

(2)

Increase for fuel efficiency

(A)

In general

The amount determined under paragraph (1)(A) with respect to a new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle which is a passenger automobile or light truck shall be increased by—

(i)

$1,000, if such vehicle achieves at least 150 percent but less than 175 percent of the 2002 model year city fuel economy,

(ii)

$1,500, if such vehicle achieves at least 175 percent but less than 200 percent of the 2002 model year city fuel economy,

(iii)

$2,000, if such vehicle achieves at least 200 percent but less than 225 percent of the 2002 model year city fuel economy,

(iv)

$2,500, if such vehicle achieves at least 225 percent but less than 250 percent of the 2002 model year city fuel economy,

(v)

$3,000, if such vehicle achieves at least 250 percent but less than 275 percent of the 2002 model year city fuel economy,

(vi)

$3,500, if such vehicle achieves at least 275 percent but less than 300 percent of the 2002 model year city fuel economy, and

(vii)

$4,000, if such vehicle achieves at least 300 percent of the 2002 model year city fuel economy.

(B)

2002 model year city fuel economy

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the 2002 model year city fuel economy with respect to a vehicle shall be determined in accordance with the following tables:

(i)

In the case of a passenger automobile:

If vehicle inertia weight class is:	The 2002 model year city fuel economy is:
1,500 or 1,750 lbs	45.2 mpg
2,000 lbs	39.6 mpg
2,250 lbs	35.2 mpg
2,500 lbs	31.7 mpg
2,750 lbs	28.8 mpg

(ii)

In the case of a light truck:

If vehicle inertia weight class is:	The 2002 model year city fuel economy is:
1,500 or 1,750 lbs	39.4 mpg
2,000 lbs	35.2 mpg
2,250 lbs	31.8 mpg
2,500 lbs	29.0 mpg
2,750 lbs	26.8 mpg
3,000 lbs	24.9 mpg
3,500 lbs	21.8 mpg
4,000 lbs	19.4 mpg
4,500 lbs	17.6 mpg
5,000 lbs	16.1 mpg
5,500 lbs	14.8 mpg
6,000 lbs	13.7 mpg
6,500 lbs	12.8 mpg
7,000 to 8,500 lbs	12.1 mpg.

(C)

Vehicle inertia weight class

(3)

New qualified fuel cell motor vehicle

For purposes of this subsection, the term “new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle—

(A)

which is propelled by power derived from 1 or more cells which convert chemical energy directly into electricity by combining oxygen with hydrogen fuel which is stored on board the vehicle in any form and may or may not require reformation prior to use,

(B)

which, in the case of a passenger automobile or light truck, has received on or after the date of the enactment of this section a certificate that such vehicle meets or exceeds the Bin 5 Tier II emission level established in regulations prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 202(i) of the Clean Air Act for that make and model year vehicle,

(C)

the original use of which commences with the taxpayer,

(D)

which is acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer and not for resale, and

(E)

which is made by a manufacturer.

(c)

New advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit

(1)

In general

(2)

Credit amount

(A)

Fuel economy

(i)

In general

(ii)

2002 model year city fuel economy

(B)

Conservation credit

(3)

New advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle

For purposes of this subsection, the term “new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle” means a passenger automobile or a light truck—

(A)

with an internal combustion engine which—

(i)

is designed to operate primarily using more air than is necessary for complete combustion of the fuel,

(ii)

incorporates direct injection,

(iii)

achieves at least 125 percent of the 2002 model year city fuel economy,

(iv)

for 2004 and later model vehicles, has received a certificate that such vehicle meets or exceeds—

(I)

in the case of a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 pounds or less, the Bin 5 Tier II emission standard established in regulations prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 202(i) of the Clean Air Act for that make and model year vehicle, and

(II)

in the case of a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 6,000 pounds but not more than 8,500 pounds, the Bin 8 Tier II emission standard which is so established,

(B)

the original use of which commences with the taxpayer,

(C)

which is acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer and not for resale, and

(D)

which is made by a manufacturer.

(4)

Lifetime fuel savings

For purposes of this subsection, the term “lifetime fuel savings” means, in the case of any new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle, an amount equal to the excess (if any) of—

(A)

120,000 divided by the 2002 model year city fuel economy for the vehicle inertia weight class, over

(B)

120,000 divided by the city fuel economy for such vehicle.

(d)

New qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit

(1)

In general

(2)

Credit amount

(A)

Credit amount for passenger automobiles and light trucks

In the case of a new qualified hybrid motor vehicle which is a passenger automobile or light truck and which has a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds, the amount determined under this paragraph is the sum of the amounts determined under clauses (i) and (ii).

(i)

Fuel economy

(ii)

Conservation credit

(B)

Credit amount for other motor vehicles

(i)

In general

(ii)

Applicable percentage

For purposes of clause (i), the applicable percentage is—

(I)

20 percent if the vehicle achieves an increase in city fuel economy relative to a comparable vehicle of at least 30 percent but less than 40 percent,

(II)

30 percent if the vehicle achieves such an increase of at least 40 percent but less than 50 percent, and

(III)

40 percent if the vehicle achieves such an increase of at least 50 percent.

(iii)

Qualified incremental hybrid cost

For purposes of this subparagraph, the qualified incremental hybrid cost of any vehicle is equal to the amount of the excess of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for such vehicle over such price for a comparable vehicle, to the extent such amount does not exceed—

(I)

$7,500, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 14,000 pounds,

(II)

$15,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds but not more than 26,000 pounds, and

(III)

$30,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds.

(iv)

Comparable vehicle

(v)

Certification

(3)

New qualified hybrid motor vehicle

For purposes of this subsection—

(A)

In general

The term “new qualified hybrid motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle—

(i)

which draws propulsion energy from onboard sources of stored energy which are both—

(I)

an internal combustion or heat engine using consumable fuel, and

(II)

a rechargeable energy storage system,

(ii)

which, in the case of a vehicle to which paragraph (2)(A) applies, has received a certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act and meets or exceeds the equivalent qualifying California low emission vehicle standard under section 243(e)(2) of the Clean Air Act for that make and model year, and

(I)

(II)

in the case of a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 6,000 pounds but not more than 8,500 pounds, the Bin 8 Tier II emission standard which is so established,

(iii)

which has a maximum available power of at least—

(I)

4 percent in the case of a vehicle to which paragraph (2)(A) applies,

(II)

10 percent in the case of a vehicle which has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 8,500 pounds and not more than 14,000 pounds, and

(III)

15 percent in the case of a vehicle in excess of 14,000 pounds,

(iv)

which, in the case of a vehicle to which paragraph (2)(B) applies, has an internal combustion or heat engine which has received a certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act as meeting the emission standards set in the regulations prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for 2004 through 2007 model year diesel heavy duty engines or ottocycle heavy duty engines, as applicable,

(v)

the original use of which commences with the taxpayer,

(vi)

which is acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer and not for resale, and

(vii)

which is made by a manufacturer.

Such term shall not include any vehicle which is not a passenger automobile or light truck if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 8,500 pounds.

(B)

Consumable fuel

(C)

Maximum available power

(i)

Certain passenger automobiles and light trucks

(ii)

Other motor vehicles

(D)

Exclusion of plug-in vehicles

(e)

New qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit

(1)

Allowance of credit

(2)

Applicable percentage

For purposes of paragraph (1), the applicable percentage with respect to any new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle is—

(A)

50 percent, plus

(B)

30 percent, if such vehicle—

(i)

has received a certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act and meets or exceeds the most stringent standard available for certification under the Clean Air Act for that make and model year vehicle (other than a zero emission standard), or

(ii)

has received an order certifying the vehicle as meeting the same requirements as vehicles which may be sold or leased in California and meets or exceeds the most stringent standard available for certification under the State laws of California (enacted in accordance with a waiver granted under section 209(b) of the Clean Air Act) for that make and model year vehicle (other than a zero emission standard).

For purposes of the preceding sentence, in the case of any new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle which weighs more than 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, the most stringent standard available shall be such standard available for certification on the date of the enactment of the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005.

(3)

Incremental cost

For purposes of this subsection, the incremental cost of any new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle is equal to the amount of the excess of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for such vehicle over such price for a gasoline or diesel fuel motor vehicle of the same model, to the extent such amount does not exceed—

(A)

$5,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds,

(B)

$10,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 8,500 pounds but not more than 14,000 pounds,

(C)

$25,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds but not more than 26,000 pounds, and

(D)

$40,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds.

(4)

New qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle

For purposes of this subsection—

(A)

In general

The term “new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle” means any motor vehicle—

(i)

which is only capable of operating on an alternative fuel,

(ii)

the original use of which commences with the taxpayer,

(iii)

which is acquired by the taxpayer for use or lease, but not for resale, and

(iv)

which is made by a manufacturer.

(B)

Alternative fuel

(5)

Credit for mixed-fuel vehicles

(A)

In general

In the case of a mixed-fuel vehicle placed in service by the taxpayer during the taxable year, the credit determined under this subsection is an amount equal to—

(i)

in the case of a 75/25 mixed-fuel vehicle, 70 percent of the credit which would have been allowed under this subsection if such vehicle was a qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle, and

(ii)

in the case of a 90/10 mixed-fuel vehicle, 90 percent of the credit which would have been allowed under this subsection if such vehicle was a qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle.

(B)

Mixed-fuel vehicle

For purposes of this subsection, the term “mixed-fuel vehicle” means any motor vehicle described in subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (3), which—

(i)

is certified by the manufacturer as being able to perform efficiently in normal operation on a combination of an alternative fuel and a petroleum-based fuel,

(ii)

either—

(I)

has received a certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act, or

(II)

has received an order certifying the vehicle as meeting the same requirements as vehicles which may be sold or leased in California and meets or exceeds the low emission vehicle standard under section 88.105–94 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, for that make and model year vehicle,

(iii)

the original use of which commences with the taxpayer,

(iv)

which is acquired by the taxpayer for use or lease, but not for resale, and

(v)

which is made by a manufacturer.

(C)

75/25 mixed-fuel vehicle

(D)

90/10 mixed-fuel vehicle

(f)

Limitation on number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean-burn technology vehicles eligible for credit

(1)

In general

(2)

Phaseout period

(3)

Applicable percentage

For purposes of paragraph (1), the applicable percentage is—

(A)

50 percent for the first 2 calendar quarters of the phaseout period,

(B)

25 percent for the 3d and 4th calendar quarters of the phaseout period, and

(C)

0 percent for each calendar quarter thereafter.

(4)

Controlled groups

(A)

In general

(B)

Inclusion of foreign corporations

(5)

Qualified vehicle

(g)

Application with other credits

(1)

Business credit treated as part of general business credit

(2)

Personal credit

(h)

Other definitions and special rules

For purposes of this section—

(1)

Motor vehicle

(2)

City fuel economy

(3)

Other terms

(4)

Reduction in basis

(5)

No double benefit

The amount of any deduction or other credit allowable under this chapter—

(A)

for any incremental cost taken into account in computing the amount of the credit determined under subsection (e) shall be reduced by the amount of such credit attributable to such cost, and

(B)

with respect to a vehicle described under subsection (b) or (c), shall be reduced by the amount of credit allowed under subsection (a) for such vehicle for the taxable year (determined without regard to subsection (g)).

(6)

Property used by tax-exempt entity

(7)

Property used outside United States, etc., not qualified

(8)

Recapture

(9)

Election to not take credit

(10)

Interaction with air quality and motor vehicle safety standards

(A)

the applicable provisions of the Clean Air Act for the applicable make and model year of the vehicle (or applicable air quality provisions of State law in the case of a State which has adopted such provision under a waiver under section 209(b) of the Clean Air Act), and

(B)

the motor vehicle safety provisions of sections 30101 through 30169 of title 49, United States Code.

[(i)

Repealed. Pub. L. 117–169, title I, § 13401(i)(2)(B), Aug. 16, 2022, 136 Stat. 1961]

(j)

Regulations

(1)

In general

(2)

Coordination in prescription of certain regulations

(k)

Termination

This section shall not apply to any property purchased after—

(1)

in the case of a new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle (as described in subsection (b)), December 31, 2021,

(2)

in the case of a new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle (as described in subsection (c)) or a new qualified hybrid motor vehicle (as described in subsection (d)(2)(A)), December 31, 2010,

(3)

in the case of a new qualified hybrid motor vehicle (as described in subsection (d)(2)(B)), December 31, 2009, and

(4)

in the case of a new qualified alternative fuel vehicle (as described in subsection (e)), December 31, 2010.

(Added Pub. L. 109–58, title XIII, § 1341(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 1038; amended Pub. L. 109–135, title IV, §§ 402(j), 412(d), Dec. 21, 2005, 119 Stat. 2615, 2636; Pub. L. 110–343, div. B, title II, § 205(b), Oct. 3, 2008, 122 Stat. 3838; Pub. L. 111–5, div. B, title I, §§ 1141(b)(1), 1142(b)(2), 1143(a)–(c), 1144(a), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 328, 330–332; Pub. L. 111–148, title X, § 10909(b)(2)(G), (c), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 1023; Pub. L. 111–312, title I, § 101(b)(1), Dec. 17, 2010, 124 Stat. 3298; Pub. L. 112–240, title I, § 104(c)(2)(H), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2322; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, §§ 218(a), 220(a), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4035; Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title I, § 193(a), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3075; Pub. L. 115–123, div. D, title I, § 40403(a), Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 148; Pub. L. 116–94, div. Q, title I, § 124(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3231; Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, § 142(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3054; Pub. L. 117–169, title I, § 13401(i)(2), Aug. 16, 2022, 136 Stat. 1961.)

cite as: 26 USC 30B

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