U.S. Department of Energy | Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy U.S. Department of Energy Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption

The sale or lease of new or used passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger AFVs is exempt from the state retail sales and use tax. Eligible AFVs include those powered by natural gas, propane, hydrogen, or electricity. To be eligible, new vehicles may not be valued above $45,000 and used vehicles may not be valued above $30,000. The tax exemption may apply to all or a portion of the vehicle’s value. The maximum eligible amount for used purchased or leased vehicles is $16,000. The exemption for sales of used and new vehicles expired on July 31, 2025. Leases that qualify for the exemption on or before July 31, 2025, can continue to claim the exemption on lease payments due through July 31, 2028. The maximum exemption amounts for vehicles are as follows:

Purchase or Lease Year Maximum New Vehicle Price Amount Eligible for Exemption (Purchased or Leased) Maximum Used Vehicle Price Amount Eligible for Exemption (Purchased or Leased)
August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2023 $20,000 $16,000
August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2025 $15,000 $16,000

For more information, see the Renewable Energy/Green Incentives section of Washington State Department of Revenue’s Tax Incentives Programs website.

(Reference Revised Code of Washington 82.08.9999)

Jurisdiction: Washington

Type: State Incentives

Enacted: May 7, 2019

Technologies: EVs, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, Natural Gas, PHEVs, Propane (LPG)

See all Washington Laws and Incentives.