The Kia EV9 and EV6 are now completely eligible for the $7,500 tax credit, with the exception of one trim.

      Kia / Kia

      As Kia announced record sales for the first quarter, Eric Watson, VP of sales for Kia America, highlighted a positive outlook for the future. With the latest models of its top-selling electric vehicles, the EV9 and EV6, now in full production at Kia’s Georgia facility, the opportunity for further sales growth is promising.

      When Kia decided to shift EV9 production from South Korea to the U.S. in 2023, it largely relied on the fact that its electric vehicles would qualify for the $7,500 tax credit available under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. However, since the EV9's battery was still sourced from South Korea and China, it was only eligible for a $3,750 partial tax credit. Starting this year, with battery production moved to its Georgia plant, the EV9 can now qualify for the full $7,500 credit.

      For the EV6, 2025 will be its first year of production in the U.S., and most trims are now eligible for the complete tax credit. There are important exclusions, though: The GT trims of the EV6 and EV9, known for their higher horsepower and more aggressive design, will not qualify for the tax credit at all, as they are still being produced in South Korea, according to CarsDirect, which referenced a Kia bulletin to dealers. Leasing these vehicles should still allow access to the full credit since leasing is not subject to the same sourcing requirements under the IRA.

      Another significant uncertainty for the GT trims is the potential reapplication of the U.S.' 25% tariffs on all imported vehicles. Recently, President Donald Trump suspended most tariffs announced earlier, for 90 days. While the prices for the new EV6 and EV9 have not yet been disclosed, the combination of possible tariffs and the ineligibility for the tax credit could significantly reduce the attractiveness of the GT trims.

      Nick Godt has reported on global business news across three continents for over 25 years.

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