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Section 2. BACKGROUND

Internal Revenue Bulletin 2009-26 · 2026-10-03 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · United States

Section 30D provides for a credit for certain new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. The credit is equal to the sum of: (1) $2,500, plus (2) $417 for each kilowatt hour of traction battery capacity in excess of 4 kilowatt hours. Section 30D(b)(1) limits the amount of the credit allowed for a vehicle to amounts ranging from $7,500 to $15,000, depending on the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle. The new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle credit phases out over the period beginning with the second calendar quarter after the calendar quarter in which at least 250,000 qualifying vehicles have been sold for use in the United States (determined on a cumulative basis for sales after December 31, 2008) (phase-out period”). Qualifying vehicles purchased in the first two calendar quarters of the phaseout period are eligible for 50 percent of the credit. Qualifying vehicles purchased in the third and fourth calendar quarters of the phase-out period are eligible for 25 percent of the credit. Vehicles purchased after the last day of the fourth calendar quarter of the phase-out period are not eligible for a credit. If a vehicle qualifies for a credit

June 29, 2009 1124 2009–26 I.R.B.

visions of state law of each state that has adopted the provisions under a waiver under § 209(b) of the Clean Air Act or a list identifying each state that has adopted applicable air quality provisions with which the vehicle does not comply.

(l) A description of the motor vehicle safety provisions of 49 U.S.C. §§ 30101 through 30169 applicable to the vehicle and a statement that the vehicle complies with those provisions.

(m) A declaration, applicable to the certification, statements, and any accompanying documents, signed by a person currently authorized to bind the manufacturer (or, in the case of a foreign vehicle manufacturer, its domestic distributor) in these matters, in the following form: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this certification, including accompanying documents, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, the facts presented in support of this certification are true, correct, and complete.”

(2) Passenger Vehicles and Light Trucks . If the vehicle is a passenger vehicle or light truck (determined after application of the limitations in section 4.06 of this notice), the certification must also contain the following:

(a) A copy of the certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act.

(b) Documents demonstrating that the vehicle 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.

(c) In the case of a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 pounds or less, documents showing that the vehicle meets or exceeds 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.

(d) 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, documents showing the vehicle meets or exceeds the Bin 8 Tier II emission standard which is so established.

(3) Low Speed Vehicles . A certification with respect to a low speed vehicle as defined in section 4.07 of this notice must also contain the following:

speed vehicle is not a passenger vehicle or light truck and is not required to receive a certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act to qualify for the credit.

.07 Low Speed Vehicle. The term “low speed vehicle” means a vehicle:

(1) That has at least four wheels; (2) That is manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads and highways (not including a vehicle operated exclusively on a rail or rails);

(3) That is not manufactured primarily for off-road use, such as primarily for use on a golf course;

(4) Whose speed attainable in one mile is more than 20 miles per hour and not more than 25 miles per hour on a paved level surface; and

(5) Whose gross vehicle weight rating is less than 3,000 pounds.

.08 Model Year . The term “model year” means the model year determined under the Clean Air Act regulations (see 40 CFR § 86–082–2).

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