Electric vehicle shoppers have a narrow window of opportunity remaining to secure substantial savings on one of America’s most popular EVs. The countdown is on until September 30th, when the $7,500 federal tax credit disappears entirely, thanks to President Trump’s latest legislative changes that take effect in October.
The Equinox EV’s Current Success Story
The Chevrolet Equinox EV has emerged as one of America’s best-selling electric vehicles outside the Tesla ecosystem, with over 27,000 units finding homes so far in 2025. Much of this success stems from its attractive pricing structure, which has made electric driving accessible to mainstream buyers.
The base Equinox EV LT1 currently starts at $33,600, but with the federal tax credit applied, savvy buyers can drive away for just $26,100. This positioning has made it even more affordable than the aging Nissan Leaf, which commands $28,140 for its 2025 model.
The Coming Price Reality
When the tax credit vanishes, the Equinox EV will effectively become 28.7% more expensive than current pricing. This dramatic shift threatens to price out many potential buyers who have been drawn to the vehicle’s compelling value proposition.
Budget-conscious segments of the EV market face the harshest impact from this policy change. While premium vehicles like the Tesla Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive see roughly a 10% price increase, affordable EVs bear a much heavier burden with increases approaching 30%.
What You Get for Your Money
The Equinox EV delivers impressive specs for its price point, featuring standard front-wheel drive powered by a single electric motor producing 220 horsepower, sufficient for an EPA-estimated 319-mile range. Compare this to the outgoing Nissan Leaf S, which manages only 147 horsepower and a meager 149-mile range.
Higher Trims Hit Even Harder
The sportier RS variant faces its own pricing challenges, jumping from $35,900 with the current tax credit to $43,400 without it – representing a 21% increase. These substantial price jumps could significantly impact consumer purchasing decisions across Chevrolet’s electric lineup.
Industry-Wide Implications
Other electric vehicles will experience similar impacts, though models like the Cadillac Lyriq and Genesis Electrified GV70, with their higher prices, lower sales volumes, and premium positioning, are likely to see less dramatic effects on their sales numbers.
Automakers already contending with tariff pressures now face additional complexity in maintaining competitive pricing. The elimination of this crucial incentive could reshape the entire affordable EV landscape, potentially slowing adoption rates just as electric vehicle technology reaches mainstream viability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When exactly does the federal tax credit end?
A: The $7,500 federal tax credit expires on September 30, 2025, with the new legislation taking effect in October.
Q: How much will the Equinox EV cost without the tax credit?
A: The base LT1 will cost $33,600 (up from the effective $26,100 with credit), while the RS jumps to $43,400.
Q: Which EVs are most affected by this change?
A: Budget-friendly EVs face the biggest impact, with price increases around 30%, while luxury EVs see smaller percentage increases.
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