The dream of widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption has long been associated with affordable prices below $30,000.
Excitingly, this dream has become a reality for certain buyers in the United States, thanks to the implementation of government subsidies.
One major player in the EV market, Tesla, recently announced a significant update that has made their popular Model 3 sedan more accessible than ever before.
This article explores the impact of government subsidies on EV affordability and the specific changes introduced by Tesla, shedding light on the remarkable price reduction of the Model 3 in California.
Tesla’s recent announcement on its website created a buzz among EV enthusiasts. The company revealed that all variants of the Model 3 sedan are now eligible for the full federal EV tax credit, amounting to a generous $7,500.
Previously, only the cheaper Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) version qualified for half of this tax credit. The federal government promptly confirmed this update on its official fueleconomy.gov website.
This important change reflects the government’s commitment to promoting the adoption of sustainable transportation options.

The federal government has laid out specific requirements for EV tax credits, including the mandate that 40% of critical minerals used in EV production be extracted in the US or from countries with free trade agreements. Additionally, it stipulates that 50% of the value of battery components must be manufactured or assembled in North America.
Although Tesla did not provide explicit reasons for the change, it is likely that the company adjusted its sourcing of materials for the Model 3 RWD batteries or modified the assembly process for battery packs. Previously, Tesla was reported to be using LFP (lithium-ion phosphate) battery cells manufactured by China’s CATL.
The inclusion of the full federal tax credit has a tangible impact on the pricing of the Tesla Model 3 RWD. Buyers who meet certain criteria, such as income restrictions and MSRP caps ($55,000 for cars; $80,000 for trucks and SUVs), can now purchase the Model 3 RWD for $32,740.
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Although this price is highly competitive in today’s new car market, where the average price hovers around $45,000, additional incentives are available to further lower the cost of EVs like the Model 3.
For instance, New York state offers a Drive Clean Rebate that provides up to $2,000 off the purchase of an EV, a program in which the Model 3 qualifies.
Tesla Model 3 Price Drops to $23K in California
Meanwhile, California offers an even more substantial incentive—a $7,500 tax rebate dependent on income and other requirements.
When both the federal and California state incentives are combined, the price of the Model 3 drops to an enticing $25,240, a figure below the starting price of a new Toyota Camry ($26,320) as highlighted by Reuters.
In addition to these statewide incentives, Tesla has also introduced local incentives in states like California for specific vehicles.
Presently, Tesla offers a $2,410 incentive for the Model 3 RWD in Southern California. This means that the final price, including all tax incentives, can plummet to an astonishingly low $22,830 for eligible buyers who fulfill all the necessary requirements.
The recent developments in EV affordability, particularly with the Tesla Model 3, have propelled the electric vehicle market to new heights.
The availability of government subsidies, including the full federal EV tax credit, has made owning an electric vehicle more accessible than ever before.
With the price of the Model 3 significantly reduced, thanks to these incentives, a broader range of buyers, particularly the middle class and younger demographics, are now able to consider EVs as a viable option.
Furthermore, localized incentives in states like California further sweeten the deal, making the prospect of owning a Tesla Model 3 even more enticing.

As we witness this transformation, it becomes evident that the goal of mainstream EV adoption, with prices under $30,000, is gradually becoming a reality. With ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions, the future of transportation is undoubtedly electric.
The new pricing of the Tesla Model 3, as low as $23K in California with tax credits, is expected to have a significant impact on the electric vehicle market.
Firstly, the reduced price makes the Tesla Model 3 more accessible to a wider range of consumers, including those who were previously hesitant due to budget constraints. This increased affordability is likely to attract new customers and drive higher demand for electric vehicles.
Secondly, the lower price point of the Model 3 is likely to contribute to the expansion of the overall electric vehicle market.
As more consumers are able to afford electric vehicles, the demand for charging infrastructure and related services is expected to grow. This, in turn, could lead to increased investments in charging stations and infrastructure development, creating a positive ripple effect across the industry.
Furthermore, the competitive pricing of the Model 3 in California may put pressure on other automakers to adjust their pricing strategies for electric vehicles.
As Tesla gains a stronger foothold in the market with its affordable offering, competitors may need to reevaluate their pricing structures to remain competitive and capture a larger share of the growing electric vehicle market.
In terms of environmental impact, the lower pricing of the Model 3 is likely to encourage more consumers to make the switch from traditional combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles. This shift can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability in the transportation sector, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Overall, the new pricing of the Tesla Model 3 is poised to have a transformative impact on the electric vehicle market.
It has the potential to attract a wider consumer base, drive market expansion, stimulate infrastructure development, and accelerate the transition to cleaner transportation options. As more affordable electric vehicles become available, the future of sustainable mobility looks promising.

Samridhi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Her research interests lie in examining the intersection of the social sector with poverty and inequality,
Along with this she is keen in understanding the systemic and structural issues that governs growth and development with an interdisciplinary focus.
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