ATLANTA, Ga. () — State leaders are looking for new ways to keep electric vehicle (EV) interest charged up — after federal tax credits for EV buyers expired at the end of September.

The Clean Vehicle Tax Credit, created under the ‘Inflation Reduction Act of 2022,’ had offered up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used models. But a bill signed in July shortened its end date from 2032 to September 30, 2025, effectively ending the incentive early.

‘Range Anxiety’ No Longer a Major Issue

EV owners say Georgia’s expanding charging infrastructure is helping ease common concerns about long-distance travel.

“The charging network in Georgia is really being built out in a very robust and easy way,” said James Marlow, President of Southface and an EV owner. “When I drive to the Georgia coast, it’s no problem to stop, charge, and grab food or coffee. Charging is becoming much less of an issue.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Georgia now has over 90,000 registered EVs and about 2,200 charging stationsstatewide.

Local Incentives May Be the Next Step

With federal credits now gone, experts say car manufacturers and local governments may need to step in with new incentives to keep buyers interested.

“The withdrawal of incentives has definitely changed the market,” Marlow said. “But if you zoom out, electric vehicles now make up about 10% of the U.S. new car market — and that’s growing.”

He also pointed to falling battery costs, which are expected to make EVs more affordable in the coming years.

Cheaper to Operate, Easier to Charge

“I have a Tesla 3, and a full charge to 80% costs me about $12,” Marlow said. “That’s compared to nearly $60 for a full tank of gas in my Jeep — so it’s cheaper to operate.”

The Georgia Department of Transportation is currently reviewing roadways to identify potential “charging deserts” and plans to expand access across rural and suburban areas.

The ‘Battery Belt of the South’

Governor Brian Kemp has called Georgia the ‘Battery Belt of the South’— as major EV manufacturers like SK Battery, Rivian, Kia, and Hyundai continue to expand operations in the state.

With production booming and infrastructure growing, policymakers hope that even without federal incentives, Georgia can remain a leader in America’s electric vehicle future.