• August is a good time to find deals on cars as dealers clear out previous model-year vehicles.
• Electric car prices are being discounted to compensate for sagging interest after federal tax cuts were eliminated.
• Deals are currently available on 2026 electric models like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Toyota bZ.

August is often a great time to find deals on new cars, as manufacturers slash prices on cars from the previous model year to make room for newer vehicles, according to car-shopping experts.

And if you’re in the market for a new or used electric car, you could be in for even better luck, as carmakers are deeply discounting plug-in models to make up for sagging interest since the federal government eliminated tax cuts for those vehicles.

According to an Edmunds.com review of the best times to buy cars, the end of a model year ranks near the top, even as the release of new models fluctuates – traditionally, it used to take place in August and September.

“All the new model-year cars used to debut in the fall, making the end of summer a good time to shop for leftovers,” Edmunds said. “These days, however, there is no unified new model-year season. For example, cars from the upcoming model year now debut as early as January of a calendar year.”

But the website said car buyers can still find good deals on new cars at the end of the summer.

“Edmunds analysts say that August and September are when they generally see automakers make the most decided transition to new models,” the website said. “In the past, the summer months tend to correspond with a bump in incentives, particularly low-APR financing on outgoing model-year vehicles.”

On the electric car front, Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of Industry Insights at Cox Automotive, noted that carmakers are going to be incentivized to offer competitive pricing on plug-in models, not that sales are settling out at a lower level than they were when the federal government was offering over $7,500 discounts on most electric models.

“The next phase of EV growth will likely be driven not only by advances in the technology itself, but by how effectively automakers translate those advances into products that meet consumer expectations for affordability, utility, performance, and ownership experience,” she said.

With that in mind, the USA TODAY Cars team identified some of the best deals currently available on 2026 model-year electric vehicles as dealers make room for 2027 inventory.

1. 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9

Base Price: $62,040

Deal: Hyundai is offering $10,000 bonus cash on 2026 versions of the Ioniq 9 S trim until Sept. 8.

What we said: Charles Singh, an automotive reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network, said in a preview of the 2026 Ioniq 9 when it was first released: “The base model 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 RWD S achieves an EPA-estimated 335 miles of driving range. SE and SEL trims can travel for 320 miles. Performance Limited and Calligraphy trims are able to travel for 311 miles on a full charge.”

2. 2026 Toyota bZ

Base Price: $34,900

Deal: Toyota is offering $4,000 bonus cash on 2026 versions of the bZ until Aug. 31.

What we said: Keith Laing of the USA TODAY Cars team said in a review: “The 2026 Toyota bZ offers a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride, and it has excellent battery range.” 

3. 2026 Kia EV6

Base Price: $37,900

Deal: Kia is offering $3,000 bonus cash on 2026 versions of the EV6 until Aug 31.

What we said: Charles Singh, who is also a member of the USA TODAY Cars team, said in a review: “The small electric EV6 SUV is a sporty model that boasts engaging driving dynamics and a practical driving range.”

4. 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Base Price: $37,795

Deal: Ford is offering $1,500 bonus cash on 2026 versions of the Mustang Mach-E until Aug. 31.

What we said: Charles Singh said in a review: “The Mach-E is a serious competitor in its segment, particularly from a performance perspective. The Mustang Mach-E may not have a mighty V-8 like some of its relatives, but its electric heart makes the SUV quicker and even more powerful than many gas models.”

5. 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV

Base Price: $44,700

Deal: Chevrolet is offering $1,000 bonus cash on 2026 versions of the Blazer or Equinox EV.

What we said: Keith Laing said in a USA TODAY article “The Chevrolet Blazer EV is the company’s first electric model to be made available in its iconic ‘SS’ trim.” Laing reported General Motors said the vehicle has 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, and it also has a 17.7-inch diagonal color touchscreen display with Google built-in compatibility.

Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at klaing@usatodayco.com.