Hundreds of Thousands of Lightly Used Electric Cars About to Hit US Market - CleanTechnica

The article discusses the impending influx of lightly used electric vehicles (EVs) into the U.S. used car market, driven largely by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This legislation, which extended and enhanced federal EV tax credits, included a leasing loophole that enabled nearly all EV models to qualify for incentives. As a result, EV leasing surged, and now, about three years later, a significant number of these leased vehicles are coming off lease and entering the used car market. It is estimated that over 300,000 EVs will be returned from leases in 2026 alone, creating a substantial supply of affordable, lightly used electric cars. This surge in used EV availability is expected to impact pricing and dealer dynamics. Historically, EVs have depreciated quickly, partly because new EV buyers could immediately access federal discounts, which are now less available. However, the increased supply of used EVs should drive prices down, making them more competitive and accessible to a broader range of consumers.