2023 Mach-E priced over $55K & delivered in 2023 will not qualify for tax credit! Latest IRS ruling says Mach-E is a CAR - not SUV !

[youdiscussedme]

This thread is blazing (rightfully so), but I've got a shout for the void, too.

With there being more or less of a gradient for cubic volume of cabin size for car to SUV/CUV category classification, to me it seems more logical to base those classifications on AWD/4WD vs non AWD/4WD status as a primary consideration, in addition to weight as a secondary methinks. Maybe in addition to considering how many it seats as a tertiary factor?

SUVs are supposed to be a vehicle that have some aspects of on and off-road capabilities, per NTHSA. "Sport utility vehicles clearly meet the MPV definition. They have "special features for occasional off-road operation" such as four-wheel drive, large all purpose tires, large suspension excursions, and high ground clearances."

I know it's not as easy as this, but it's just my .02 denarii.

Examples:
-Perhaps if it has 4/AWD, but only between 4-5k pounds, it's a CUV/small SUV?

-If it has 3 rows, and only R/FWD, but between 4-5k pounds, categorized as a car?

-2 rows, >5k pounds, AWD, categorized as an SUV.

Edit: also, for curiosity sake, how does this fare for MY '23 deliveries taken in CY '22? Like another poster on here, NTHSA has my vehicle classified as a SUV body class.

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[rinsmars]

And the Corsair vs the escape?

What do you read in that writeup that makes the situation possibly better? I read it as same dates as described by IRS info. IRS has classified Mach-E in the $55k cap category, not $80k cap.

 

[generaltso]

That was the EPA classification for the 2021. It was changed to Small SUV for 2022. But as we’re now seeing, the EPA classification is irrelevant.

 

[generaltso]

Maybe good news? I feel everyone's pain that information keeps changing. This was my dealer's response today after I tried to see if I could purchase the car now before it arrives: "Unfortunately, we can't finalize the Mach-E until it arrives. Good news, it looks like it has been extended to March (see attached)"

They’re talking about the battery sourcing requirements. That has nothing to do with the MSRP limits.

 

[SWO]

Agreed!

Escape PHEV weighs less, has less cubic feet of storage, etc...

MME should be classified as "mini or small SUV / CUV"....

Not only that, the Mach E weighs 1,000lbs more. I have both vehicles...not even sure you can option an Escape PHEV over $55k.

 

[rinsmars]

What do you read in that writeup that makes the situation possibly better? I read it as same dates as described by IRS info. IRS has classified Mach-E in the $55k cap category, not $80k cap.

Sorry, this was a reply to Marley970 mail not Kamuelaflyer

 

[SWO]

Surely Ford understands the implications of this classification and hopefully they will be lobbying hard to get it changed asap.

The electric small SUV segment is getting really crowded and really competitive heading into 2023. If they want the Mach-E to keep its strong market share, they absolutely need this tax credit.

Ford's lawyers have to be blowing up the IRS's phones.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

Not sure but my guess is the Corsair has a slightly lower ground clearance that busted one of the requirements. In the photos it looks a little lower.

Thanks. The specs I looked up everything was identical but I do not recall seeing ground clearance.

 

[SWO]

You are correct, reading thru the IRS post, it says:
"MSRP is the retail price of the automobile suggested by the manufacturer, including options, accessories and trim but excluding destination fees. It isn't necessarily the price you pay."

Interesting. What is to keep a manufacturer from selling the car for $20k and charging $40k for D&D? Sounds like something Musk would do.

 

[llinthicum1]

There's no such thing as an Escape that costs more than $55,000, yet alone one that costs $80,000. Bottom line, EV's cost too much currently for the majority of consumers. It will be up to the the manufacturers to figure out how to reduce cost. Government incentives are fine, but can't rely on them forever.

 

[SWO]

We had several escapes as loaners. They are taller, more ground clearance and looked longer than MME. Escape is definitely an SUV. MME is on the smaller size of SUV.

I own both vehicles. The Escape is smaller. If anything, the Escape has less ground clearance. GVWR is 1,060lbs less on the Escape as well.

 

[SWO]

The rules in my last post say an SUV must have 4-wheel drive.

Then no Escape PHEVs should qualify as SUVs. They all are 2WD. The Corsairs have AWD.

 

[DevinsHorsey]

Then no Escape PHEVs should qualify as SUVs. They all are 2WD. The Corsairs have AWD.

I agree, that's not consistent at all. I don't get it.

And to this point, why just the Model Y AWD 3-row and NOT the Model Y AWD 2-row? There's *literally* nothing different except a 3rd row.

But for the ID.4, AWD == SUV. There's no third row option, but the RWD version is considered a car. Isn't that super contradictory?

 

[Teecee]

You're in. Send me some beer!

So does this mean I’m screwed since I added a measly $400 in options?

 

[MachEMaster]

Agreed!

Escape PHEV weighs less, has less cubic feet of storage, etc...

MME should be classified as "mini or small SUV / CUV"....

On my insurance, it's listed as a Station Wagon. Lol. Picture wood panelling, and a rumble seat facing aft.

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