Just minutes after the $7,500 federal EV tax credit officially expired, Tesla fired back with a pre-planned counterattack.

The company introduced a $6,500 lease credit, applied automatically to monthly payments, effectively softening the blow for customers who choose to lease rather than buy. According to Tesla, the discounted amount is already baked into the lease price, though the offer may change or end at any time.

While the move helps maintain demand, it comes with a clear downside: pressure on profit margins. Tesla appears willing to absorb short-term financial pain to protect market share—at least for now.

📉 Lease Prices Still Climb

Despite the lease credit, Tesla quietly raised lease pricing across its lineup:

• Model Y monthly payments increased from $479–$529 to $529–$599

• Model 3 lease prices jumped from $349–$699 to $429–$759

These figures reflect standard configurations, including $3,000 down, a 36-month lease, and 10,000 miles per year.

⏳ The Real Impact Is Yet to Come

Orders placed before September 30 still qualify for the tax credit, meaning the full impact on sales may not be visible until Q1 2026. Leases, however, had to be delivered before the deadline—no exceptions.

⚡ Behind the Scenes: Growing Controversy

As Tesla navigates pricing pressure, it also faces renewed scrutiny over its internal culture. A former Tesla engineer has reignited a decade-long legal battle, alleging retaliation after raising safety concerns directly with CEO Elon Musk. Her case has reopened following a successful appeal, potentially bringing Tesla back into court.

With declining sales, shrinking margins, and mounting legal challenges, Tesla’s aggressive strategy raises a critical question:

Is this a bold comeback—or a sign of deeper trouble ahead?