Tax credit for SMART being an ULEV

[mtnbyked]

Since the Smart is considered an ULEV, will we be entitled to a tax credit in 2008? I've heard its based on how many are sold & stops after a certain number have been produced.

[dw103]

I thought that was only for hybrids. Dont you think we would have heard before now if it applied to smarts as well? Still, I hope you're right.

[SmartShanna]

Only for hybrids at this point

[Procrustes]

Yeah - it turns out many cars are considered ULEV nowadays (a good thing).

Unfortunately even most of the rebates for hybrids (PZEV) seem to be drying up.

[SMART]

No word on any sort of government back-pats to the smart!

[jediknight36]

I had heard something about the smarts counting. I bet if you ask later this year it will come up. Remember, this is teh 1st year they are being sold.

[MicroNut]

Originally Posted by jediknight36

I had heard something about the smarts counting. I bet if you ask later this year it will come up. Remember, this is teh 1st year they are being sold.

No such luck. The IRS gives tax credits for hybrid, alternative fuel (CNG, LPG) and advanced lean burn technologies. Manufacturers have to certify their vehicles as qualifying, and the credits run out once the manufacturer has sold a certain number of units. Sadly, the smart doesn't qualify in any of these categories.

If anyone is interested in the specific requirements, this document is a good source: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-06-09.pdf

[GHammerly]

Too bad smart does not offer a CNG dual fuel version, I don't care about tax credits but the money saved on commutes to work that would be nice.
Also much cleaner emmisions when running NATURAL GAS and get to fill up daily in my own garage.
Helps reduce pollutants in urban areas where is most needed.

Gus

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by GHammerly

Too bad smart does not offer a CNG dual fuel version, I don't care about tax credits but the money saved on commutes to work that would be nice.
Also much cleaner emmisions when running NATURAL GAS and get to fill up daily in my own garage.
Helps reduce pollutants in urban areas where is most needed.

Gus

You have one of those NG Honda filling stations at your house! Good move! How do you like it and does it work well and simply? I helped build the prototype Honda HES (Home Energy Station) for refueling hydrogen....4 generations of them so I have some familiarity with gaseous refueling systems.
What is your cost/mile with NG? Plug-in electric is around 2-3 cents/mile now.

[jediknight36]

Its not there now, but in Janurary smartusa.com had a paragraph that stated that it would qualify for a tax credit due to how clean it is now. Of course that is mote now, because I cant find it anymore. LOL maybe they check with teh feds and the feds said nope!