Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) is advocating maximum flexibility in implementing electric vehicle (EV) tax credit provisions within the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Warnock has forwarded correspondence to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen seeking to ensure that EVs made by Georgia automakers qualify for the strengthened tax credits and Georgians have the ability to take full advantage of the credit to purchase a Georgia-built EV.
“I am committed to ensuring that the IRA is implemented in a way that serves this important goal,” Warnock wrote. “To that end, I urge Treasury to adopt regulations that make EV tax credits accessible to as many consumers as possible, as quickly as possible, in a manner that promotes economic growth, job creation and climate resiliency.”
The law presently requires EV manufacturers to complete final production of their vehicles in the United States, Canada or Mexico. This would make EVs made by Hyundai Motor Group ineligible for the tax credit until the completion of Hyundai’s Bryan County production facility, limiting Georgians’ options to purchase an EV in Georgia.
“I urge you to offer maximum flexibility for vehicle manufacturers and consumers to take full advantage of the electric vehicle (EV) tax credits available under the law,” Warnock concluded. “The Congressional intent of the IRA is to make EVs more affordable for more Americans to address the urgency of climate change while sparking clean energy jobs across the country.”