The battle over electric vehicle (EV) tax credits is intensifying as California Governor Gavin Newsom plans to reinstate state EV purchase credits if President-elect Donald Trump eliminates the Federal EV credit, which offers up to $7,500 per purchase. Tesla’s stock fell 4% on Monday, while Rivian (RIVN) surged over 13% following the announcement.
Key Points:
California’s Potential Tesla Exclusion:
- Newsom hinted Tesla might be excluded from state EV credits, citing a cap to “promote innovation and competition.”
- Tesla’s dominance (accounting for 50% of U.S. EV sales) could place it at a disadvantage under such limits.
Federal Credit Phase-Out:
- Trump is expected to scrap the Federal EV tax credit, impacting affordability for buyers.
- Analysts believe Tesla, with its global scale and cost efficiency, can weather the change better than rivals like Rivian.
Economic Implications:
- ZEV credits have been a significant revenue stream for Tesla, generating $10 billion since 2018—about 25% of its operating profit.
- Rivian projects $300 million in 2024 credit sales, underscoring its reliance on these incentives.
Political Drama:
- Newsom’s move could provoke Federal challenges to California’s authority to regulate emissions, endangering Tesla’s ZEV credit sales.
- Despite tensions, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives believes Tesla and Musk will emerge as winners, maintaining a $400 price target for the stock.
Market Impact:
- Tesla’s stock closed at $334.50, down 1.2% in after-hours trading.
- Rivian shares dropped 1.7% to $11.40 after hours, following a 13% gain earlier.
Bottom Line:
The EV tax credit battle between California and Washington highlights Tesla’s resilience and dominance but introduces new uncertainties for investors. Analysts are betting on Musk’s close ties with the Trump administration to navigate this "soap opera moment."
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