2013 Leaf not qualified for federal tax credit?
 

I just took a Leaf for a test drive today and the salesman told me the 2013 Leaf does not qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. From the sales figures I have looked at, Nissan hasn't sold 200,000 units yet, so I'm wondering why there is no credit.

Looking at fueleconomygov confirms that only the 2011-2012 Leaf qualifies for the credit. What gives?

With the credit bringing the Leaf SV model down to about $25,000, I was thinking it just may barely make financial sense to purchase one over say, a 2005 Toyota Corolla. Without the credit, there is no way it makes financial sense.

Perhaps the Focus EV will drop in price enough that, when combined with the $7,500 tax credit, it might make sense to purchase one. I'm also looking forward to the Honda Fit EV becoming available for purchase, but no word on if or when this might happen.

Sounds like maybe he would have preferred to sell you a different car. (I've read of that happening to other Leaf shoppers.) I haven't seen anything about the credit ending.

But I wouldn't wait on being able to buy a Fit EV. Lease only compliance car.

I had a surprisingly decent experience at the stealership. The salesman didn't even mention another vehicle, and immediately offered a test drive of the Leaf. I'm still not seeing anything to suggest the Leaf still qualifies for a federal rebate.

As eager as I am to adopt an electric, I'm getting the sense that it's still too early from a financial standpoint.

What do you mean the Fit EV is a compliance car? Does that mean it was only built to comply with efficiency regulations and was never intended to actually bring a profit to Honda?

Re: the Fit. Exactly. See: Electric Cars: Some Are Real, Most Are Only 'Compliance Cars'--We Name Names