What Kia Cars Qualify for the EV Tax Credit?

If you’re looking to electrify your Minneapolis-area ride in 2025, you’ve certainly considered an all-electric or PHEV Kia. Buoyed by generous federal tax credits, the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in-electric hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) has been on the rise. So, in this guide from Cornerstone Kia, we’ll give you the rundown on what Kia cars qualify for the EV tax credit. Does the Kia EV9 qualify for the tax credit? How about the EV6? Does the Kia Niro qualify for the tax credit? We’ll address those questions and more, so read on and let us know if you have any questions! 

How Does a Vehicle Qualify for the Federal EV Tax Credit?

The full federal EV tax credit amounts to $7,500. Depending on whether your chosen Kia EV meets all or some of the requirements, you may be eligible for the full credit amount or a partial amount ($3,750). See below for the necessary eligibility criteria, and contact us if you have any questions: 

To qualify for the full federal EV tax credit, the seller must report the required information to you and the IRS at the time of sale, you must not exceed certain income thresholds, and the vehicle must:

• Be bought new
• Not exceed an MSRP of $80,000 for vans, SUVs, and trucks
• Not exceed an MSRP of $55,000 for other vehicles
• Have a battery capacity of at least 7 kWh
• Have a GVWR of less than 14,000 pounds
• Be made by a qualified manufacturer
• Undergo final assembly in North America
• Meet critical mineral and/or battery component requirements

In addition to the IRS resource provided above, Maple Grove drivers can use the NHTSA VIN Decoder to determine where the vehicle was assembled. Does the Kia Niro qualify for the tax credit? Does the Kia EV9 qualify for the tax credit? How about the Sorento? Does the Kia EV6 qualify for the tax credit? Let’s find out now. 

Current Kia EV & PHEV Lineup

Currently, six Kia models are either fully electric or use a PHEV powertrain. They are as follows:

• Kia Niro PHEV
• Kia Niro EV
• Kia Sportage PHEV
• Kia EV6 
• Kia Sorento PHEV
• Kia EV9

At the moment, none of the aforementioned Kia models are on the U.S. Treasury Department’s official list of eligible models. This is likely because most Kia EVs are currently manufactured in South Korea, though EV production is starting to ease into the U.S. 

Does the Kia Niro EV Qualify for the Tax Credit?

Unfortunately, no. This is because both the Kia Niro EV and PHEV variants are currently produced in South Korea. As final assembly must take place in North America for a vehicle to qualify for all or part of the federal EV tax credit, the current Kia Niro, whether EV or PHEV, is ineligible to receive it.

Does the Kia EV9 Qualify for the Tax Credit?

Yes, but it depends! In May 2024, assembly of the 2025 EV9 began at Kia’s manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, U.S.A. However, EV9 models assembled in the Georgia plant will only qualify for a partial tax credit amount of $3,750. This is because the materials for its battery are still sourced from China, which is considered a “foreign entity of concern” by the United States government. Plus, most Kia EV9 models are still produced and shipped over from South Korea, so please make sure that you confirm the location where your EV9 was manufactured using the NHTSA VIN decoder or by contacting us. 

Does the Kia EV6 Qualify for the Tax Credit?

As is the case for the Kia EV9, some EV6 assembly has moved to West Point, Georgia, and EV6 models assembled there will be eligible for at least part of the $7,500 EV tax credit. 

Other Kia EV & PHEV Models: The Sportage & Sorento

The Kia Sportage and Sorento are both available as PHEVs, but the West Point manufacturing plant only produces the Sportage and Sorento SUVs, not PHEVs. The PHEV variants are still primarily produced and assembled in South Korea, meaning that the Sportage PHEV and Sorento PHEV models are not eligible for the federal EV tax credit.

Choose a Kia EV as Your Next Vehicle With Cornerstone Kia

Now that you know what Kia cars qualify for the tax credit, consider visiting us to test-drive a new Kia EV. And, even though the answer to, “Does the Kia Niro EV qualify for the tax credit” is an unfortunate “no,” our experts can help you find the best financing options possible so you can make a Kia EV your next Andover ride. In addition, we can also introduce you to our excellent new vehicle specials, so we hope to see you soon.