10 Biggest News Stories of the Month: Tesla Model 3, Model X, Model Y Rebated, Rams Recalled

As we end a banner year for electric vehicle sales in the U.S., more and more Americans are being enticed to take the plug-in plunge — and government incentives for them to do so are evolving to reflect that. Unfortunately, complicated rules pertaining to battery sourcing could cause confusion for shoppers hoping to take advantage of the $7,500 tax credit on EV purchases in 2024, while the number of eligible models has been more than halved by the changes. That said, if would-be EV buyers just can’t wait until the roster inevitably grows as automakers navigate the new paradigm, they can take solace in the fact that they can now enjoy the credit as an instant rebate at the time of purchase, effectively reducing the negotiated price of their new ride right then and there.

Related: Here’s Which Hybrids Qualify for Federal Tax Rebates

In one of Cars.com’s most popular news articles of the past month, we round up the remaining models on the diminished list of those eligible for as much as 7,500 bucks off — which still boasts some attractive options, depending on your budget, taste and needs. Of the 13 electrified vehicles, seven are eligible for the full credit — including Tesla’s Model 3 sedans (Performance trim) and Model X and Model Y SUVs — and six are eligible for half the rebate, at $3,750. For the full details on which EVs are eligible, price caps for each model, income caps for buyers, how to go about getting the federal credit for new and used models, and much more, follow the link below to the No. 9 news story from December.

Also popular last month, albeit for an unpopular purpose, was a sizable cross-section of the Ram pickup truck lineup due to a recall of some 142,000 trucks for malfunctioning turn signals and high-beam headlights. Affected vehicles include model-year 2023 Ram 1500s and 2023-24 Ram heavy-duty trucks. The steering column control module could activate the high-beam headlights when the driver uses the turn signal, or vice versa, and the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. Owners of impacted pickups will be notified starting within the next two weeks, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering column control module for free. For more info, including how to get more info from either Ram’s parent automaker Stellantis or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, follow the link below to the No. 3 news story of the month.

Beyond all that, we’ve got headlines on the Toyota Prius, Rivian R1S, Buick Envista, Volkswagen Atlas, Kia Sportage and much more — so don’t stop reading till the digits double. Here are the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past month:

1. How Long Do Hybrid Batteries Last?

2. What MPG Does the 2023 Toyota Prius Get in Real-World Driving?

3. 142,000-Plus Ram Trucks Recalled for Turn Signals and High Beams

4. 2023 Rivian R1S Review: Upstart’s Second Model Is Actually the Better One

5. Thinking About Buying a Hybrid? Here Are Some Pros and Cons

6. Is the 2024 Buick Envista a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 4 Cons

7. Is the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas a Good SUV? 6 Pros, 3 Cons

8. What’s the Best New-Car Deal for the End of 2023?

9. Which Electric Cars Are Still Eligible for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit?

10. 2024 Kia Sportage Receives Top Safety Award

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