Ford EV sales fell 71 percent in October: is now the time to buy one at a discount, or wait for the new tax credit?
Ford EV sales dropped 71 percent in October 2026 after the federal 7500 dollar credit ended on September 30. Dealers near me are advertising big discounts on the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E, and there is a proposal in Congress to raise the credit to 12500 dollars for union-made EVs and drop the 200000 vehicle cap. I drive about 12000 miles a year and I can charge at home. Is the smart move to take the dealer discount now while inventory is high, or wait and hope the bigger credit actually passes?
1 answer
- Take the discount, do not bet on Congress
Run the numbers on the discount in front of you. A 12500 dollar credit is a proposal, not a law, and it has to survive a vote, a signature, and an implementation date. Meanwhile dealers are sitting on Lightning inventory that is not moving, which is real leverage right now. If the discount plus the value of your trade gets the Lightning within about 5000 dollars of the gas F-150, buy it. Waiting for a maybe-credit while inventory clears is how you end up paying sticker in spring.