Here’s what’s happening with EV bills right now, based on the latest reporting I have access to:
Direct answer
- U.S. congressional action on electric-vehicle (EV) tax incentives remains a live topic, with several proposals in 2025–2026 aiming to change or end federal EV tax credits and to introduce new charges or fees for EVs. Updates indicate some bills seek to repeal the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and impose new fees or remove related incentives, though these proposals have faced political headwinds and are not yet law as of early 2026.
Key developments to watch
- Federal tax credits: Proposals have circulated to eliminate the federal $7,500 EV tax credit and related credits for used EVs and chargers, shifting the landscape for new and used EV purchases. This is being debated within Congress and could shift with party control and budget negotiations. For example, discussions around repealing or scaling back credits have appeared in multiple outlets and policy analyses during 2025–2026.[1][3][7]
- New fees or charges: Some bills have floated a one-time or ongoing fee on EV purchases or ownership to fund road maintenance, aiming to address infrastructure funding gaps. The specifics vary by proposal, but the concept has appeared across several sources in 2025.[2][1]
- Safety and other standards: There are also efforts to tighten EV safety standards and related regulatory oversight, which could affect compliance costs for manufacturers and consumers in the near term.[6][9]
What this could mean for consumers in Chicago, IL
- If federal incentives are rolled back, upfront purchasing costs for new EVs could be higher, potentially slowing adoption in the near term. For used EVs, the current credits could be altered or removed, affecting resale value and total cost of ownership. Local and state EV programs in Illinois may still offer incentives, but those are separate from any federal changes.[7][1]
Illustration (example)
- Consider a hypothetical new EV with a $40,000 sticker price: if the federal credit remains at $7,500, the price after credits would be $32,500 (ignoring taxes and fees). If the credit is repealed, the price would stay $40,000, increasing the out-of-pocket cost by $7,500 at purchase. This simplified example demonstrates how policy shifts could impact buyers differently depending on credit status.[1]
Would you like a brief digest of the most recent bills by name and status, or a map of where to find current local Illinois or Chicago incentives in addition to federal policy? I can also summarize which sources are most authoritative and provide direct links.[6][7][1]
Sources
Meanwhile, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Republicans in Congress last summer not only ended EV tax credits as of September 2025, but will end tax credits for EV chargers as of July 2026. The law also rescinded hundreds of millions of dollars from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program, which was meant to help state and local governments, schools, territories, and tribes purchase zero-emissions trucks and buses and charging equipment.
www.nocarbonfuel.orgThe budget bill passed by Congress on Thursday pulls the plug on federal tax incentives for electric vehicles.
www.cbsnews.comElectric vehicles could soon be in the crosshairs of Congress, with a new bill that would force more rigorous safety standards. CBS News New York's Jessica Moore reports.
www.cbsnews.comIs the Trump administration about to make EV ownership more expensive?
www.kiplinger.comTwo new Senate bills could make electric vehicles significantly more expensive in the U.S. If passed, they would eliminate federal EV incentives and impose a new tax on EV buyers, signaling a major shift in policy. EV Tax Credit on the Chopping Block The first bill, spearheaded by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), aims to kill the
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