No, generally, it is taken in the year you purchase the vehicle. You may be able to amend your income tax return to take advantage of the electric plug-in vehicle credit.
See
How to amend (change or correct) a return you already filedFederal Tax Credits
for All-Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles: Federal Tax Credit Up To
$7,500: All-electric and plug-in
hybrid cars purchased
in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to
$7,500. The credit amount will vary based on the capacity of the battery used
to power the vehicle. State and/or local incentives may also apply.
See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml
- 2012–15
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid $2,500
- 2017
Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid $4,502
- This
credit does not apply to pre-owned or used vehicles.
The Plug-in Electric Drive Motor
Vehicle Credit is reported on Form 8936, the
Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit applies to certain manufactured
electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles which draw electricity from a
battery recharged from an external source of electricity. The credit ranges
from $2,500 to $7,500 depending on battery capacity and weight.
TurboTax will ask about your electric vehicle and help you with
this credit.
To enter your Plug-in Electric Drive
Motor Vehicle Credit:
- Log
on to TurboTax and click on the orange button, Take Me To My Return.
- Click
on the Federal Income tab (Personal Tab in the Self-employed version).
- Click
on Deductions & Credits.
-
On the Your 2016 Deductions
& Credits screen, scroll down to Cars
and Other Things You Own.
- Click
Start/Edit/Update next to Energy-Efficient
Vehicles.
- Continue
with the onscreen interview until complete.