Yes, and the difference matters more now that the federal purchase credit has ended. Leased vehicles were often eligible for a separate commercial clean vehicle credit that dealers could apply directly to lease pricing, but this pathway also ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025.
Today, lease savings mostly come from a different source: manufacturer and dealer lease incentives, which are set independently by automakers and change monthly. These aren’t tax credits; they’re direct price reductions built into the lease deal.
- Ask the dealer directly what lease cash or incentives currently apply to the specific model
- State and utility incentives generally apply to leased EVs too, not just purchased ones
- The new OBBBA loan interest deduction does not apply to leases, only financed purchases
💡 Not sure if leasing or buying makes more sense for you? Run the numbers with our Lease vs Buy Calculator.