J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2013: For Preparing Your 2012 Tax Return

25.20 Credits for Fuel Cell Vehicles and Plug-in Electric Vehicles

You can claim a credit for a qualified fuel cell vehicle on Form 8910. A credit for qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles can be claimed on Form 8936.

Expired credits.

There is no longer a tax credit for hybrid vehicles, alternative fuel or advanced lean-burn technology vehicles; the credit was allowed only for vehicles purchased before 2011. The credit for plug-in electric vehicle conversions expired for conversions made after 2011.

The credit for two- or three-wheel rechargeable electric vehicles and four-wheel “low-speed” vehicles also expired for vehicles acquired after 2011, but proposals have been made to extend the credit for qualifying two- or three-wheel vehicles; see the e-Supplement at jklasser.com for an update.

Credit for fuel cell vehicles on Form 8910.

The credit applies to vehicles that use cells to produce electricity by combining oxygen with hydrogen fuel and that meet certain additional requirements. The IRS acknowledges certifications made by vehicle manufacturers that certain models qualify for the credit. The IRS acknowledgment allows the manufacturers to certify to consumers that these models qualify for a credit equal to the certified amount. You may generally rely on the manufacturer’s certification that the specified credit amount is allowable. See the instructions to Form 8910 for a list of qualifying models and the allowable credit amounts for 2012.

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