Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Clean Vehicle and Infrastructure Grants

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants (ERIG) Program and Rebate Grants Program as part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). The ERIG Program provides grants for various types of clean air projects to improve air quality in the state's nonattainment areas and other affected counties. Eligible projects include those that involve replacement, retrofit, repower, or lease or purchase of new heavy-duty vehicles; alternative fuel dispensing infrastructure; idle reduction and electrification infrastructure; and alternative fuel use. The Rebate Grants Program provides grants to upgrade or replace diesel heavy-duty vehicles and non-road equipment. Qualifying projects must reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides or other pollutants by at least 25% as compared to baseline levels and must meet operational and fuel usage requirements. For more information, including eligibility and the application form, see the TCEQ TERP website. (Reference Texas Statutes Health and Safety Code 386 and Texas Administrative Code 114.620-114.629)

Clean Fleet Grants

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the Texas Clean Fleet Program (TCFP) as part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). The TCFP provides grants to fleets to replace existing fleet vehicles with alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). An entity that operates a fleet of at least 75 vehicles and commits to placing 20 or more qualifying vehicles in service for use in the Clean Transportation Zone may be eligible. Qualifying AFV or HEV replacements must reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides or other pollutants by at least 25% as compared to baseline levels and must replace vehicles that meet operational and fuel usage requirements. Neighborhood electric vehicles do not qualify. For more information, including current application periods, see the TCEQ TERP website. (Reference Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 386 and 392, and Texas Administrative Code 114.650-114.658)

Alternative Fuel Use and Vehicle Acquisition Requirements

State agency fleets with more than 15 vehicles, excluding emergency and law enforcement vehicles, may not purchase or lease a motor vehicle unless the vehicle uses natural gas, propane, ethanol or fuel blends of at least 85% ethanol (E85), methanol or fuel blends of at least 85% methanol (M85), biodiesel or fuel blends of at least 20% biodiesel (B20), or electricity (including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles). Waivers may be granted for fleets if the fleet will operate primarily in areas where neither the state agency or a supplier can reasonably be expected to establish adequate fueling infrastructure for these fuels or the agency is unable to obtain equipment or fueling facilities necessary to operate alternative fuel vehicles at a cost that is no greater than the net costs of using conventional fuels.

Covered state agency fleets must consist of at least 50% of vehicles that are able to operate on alternative fuels and use these fuels at least 80% of the time the vehicles are driven. Covered state agencies may meet these requirements through the purchase of new vehicles or the conversion of existing vehicles. State agencies that purchase passenger vehicles or other ground transportation vehicles for general use must ensure that at least 25% of the vehicles purchased during any state fiscal biennium, other than exempted vehicles, meet or exceed federal Tier II, Bin 3 emissions standards.

(Reference Texas Statutes, Government Code 2158.004-2158.009)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Incentive - Austin Energy

Austin Energy offers residential customers who own an electric vehicle a rebate of 50% of the cost to purchase and install a qualified Level 2 EV charging station, up to $1,200. For more information, see the Austin Energy Home Charging website.

Clean School Bus Grants

Any public school district or charter school may receive a grant through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to pay for the incremental costs to replace school buses or install diesel oxidation catalysts, diesel particulate filters, emission-reducing add-on equipment, and other emissions reduction technologies in qualified school buses. For more information, see the TCEQ Texas Emissions Reduction Plan website.

(Reference Texas Administrative Code 114.640-114.648 and Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 390)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Registration Tracking Program

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (Department) collects data on the number of AFVs registered in the state. The Department must submit an annual report to the Texas Legislature detailing the results of each data collection year. For the purpose of this program, AFVs include plug-in electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and natural gas vehicles. (Reference Texas Statutes, Transportation Code, 502.001 and 502.004)

Authorization of Governmental Alternative Fuel Fleet Grant Program

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) must administer a grant program for governmental alternative fuel fleets to provide grants for the purchase or lease of a new vehicle and the purchase, lease, or installation of alternative fueling equipment. Eligible alternative fuels include natural gas, propane, hydrogen, and electricity. State agencies and political subdivisions are eligible to apply for a grant under the program if the entity operates a fleet of more than 15 vehicles. Mass transit and school transportation providers will also be eligible for grants.

TCEQ must establish standardized vehicle grant amounts based on the incremental costs associated with the purchase or lease of different categories of motor vehicle, including the fuel type, vehicle class, and other categories TCEQ considers appropriate. TCEQ will also establish standardized fueling equipment grant amounts.

(Reference Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 386.153)

Light-Duty Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program for the purchase or lease of a new light-duty vehicle powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, hydrogen, or electricity. CNG and propane vehicles, including bi-fuel vehicles, are eligible for a rebate of up to $5,000. Electric drive vehicles powered by a battery or hydrogen fuel cell, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a battery capacity of at least 4 kilowatt hours, are eligible for a rebate of up to $2,500. One rebate is available per eligible vehicle. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including eligibility requirements and the application form, see the TCEQ Texas Emissions Reduction Plan website.

(Reference Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 386 and Texas Administrative Code 114.610-114.613)

Public Utility Definition

Electric vehicle charging service providers are not regulated as a public utility in areas of customer choice, where utility customers have the option to choose an alternate electricity supplier. The Texas Public Utilities Commission is authorized to exempt electric vehicle supply equipment from being regulated as a public utility. (Reference Texas Statutes Utilities Code 37.001)

Commercial Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate - Austin Energy

Austin Energy offers commercial customers a rebate for 50% of the cost to install qualified EV charging station at workplaces and multi-unit dwellings (MUD). Applicants that install Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging station may receive up to $4,000, and applicants that install direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations may receive up to $10,000. EV charging stations installed in MUDs must be accessible to all residents. For more information, see the Austin Energy Workplace Charging and Multifamily Charging websites.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Rate Pilot Program - CPS Energy

CPS offers residential customers that own a EV a flat electricity rate of $96 annually per EV. For more information, see the CPS Energy Electric Vehicles website.

Electric Equipment and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Incentive - Entergy

Qualified Entergy customers are eligible to receive incentives in varying amounts for the purchase of select on- and off-road electric vehicles and Level 2 EV charging stations. For more information, including eligible technologies, see the Entergy eTech website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate – United Cooperative Services (UCS)

UCS offers residential customers a rebate of 50% of the cost to install a Level 2 EV charging station, up to $500. For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, see the UCS Energy Rebate Programs website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate – Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO)

SWEPCO offers residential customers a $250 rebate for the installation of an ENERGY STAR certified Level 2 EV charging station. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including how to apply, see the SWEPCO Level 2 Home EV Charging Station Rebate Program website

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rate Incentives - CPS Energy

CPS Energy offers a $250 bill credit to residential customers who own a Level 2 EV charging station and allow CPS Energy to make remote adjustments to their EV charging station when electricity demand is high. CPS Energy also offers residential customers a $125 bill credit if they agree to charge during off-peak hours. Customers may earn an additional $10 bill credit per month if they limit charging during peak hours to twice a month. For more information, visit the CPS FlexEV Rewards website.

Governmental Fleet Grants

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the Governmental Alternative Fuel Fleet Grant Program (GAFF) as part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) for the purchase or lease of new vehicles powered by natural gas, propane, hydrogen, or electricity. Grants are available in the following amounts:

Up to 10% of awarded funds may be granted for the purchase, lease, or installation of refueling infrastructure or equipment, or refueling services in conjunction with an eligible vehicle purchase or lease. Special districts and government entities that operate a fleet greater than 15 vehicles are eligible. For more information, see the TCEQ GAFF website. (Reference Texas Statutes, Water Code 5.124 and 5.229, and Texas Statutes 386.153)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Support

Texas utilities joined the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), committing to create a network of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations connecting major highway systems from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific of the United States. NEHC utility members agree to ensure efficient and effective fast charging deployment plans that enable long distance EV travel, avoiding duplication among coalition utilities, and complement existing corridor DCFC sites. For more information, including a list of participating utilities and states, see the NEHC website.

Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Equipment Grants

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the Rebate Grants Program (Program) as part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). The Program provides grants to eligible entities to replace or repower existing heavy-duty ,diesel-powered vehicles. Replacement vehicles and engines may not be more than three years older than the calendar year purchased and must reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by at least 25% compared to the vehicle or engine being replaced. Eligible replacement on- and off-road vehicles must be powered by diesel, natural gas, propane, or electricity. For more information, see the TCEQ Texas Emissions Reduction Plan TERP website.

(Reference Texas Health and Safety Code 386.104)

Seaport and Rail Yard Emissions Reduction Grants

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the Seaport and Rail Yard Areas Emissions Reduction Program (Program) as part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). The Program provides grants to eligible entities to replace, repower, or purchase drayage and cargo handling equipment, Eligible projects include heavy-duty on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 26,000 pounds, off-road yard trucks, and other cargo handling equipment. Eligible engines or motors must be powered by electricity or meet federal emissions standards and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by at least 25% compared to the engine being replaced. For more information, including current application periods, see the TCEQ TERP website.

(Reference Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 386 Subchapter D-1)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate – Denton Municipal Electric (DME)

DME offers residential customers a $300 rebate for the purchase of a EV. Eligible customers must agree to charge EVs during off-peak hours. For more information, see the DME Residential Customers website.

Texas' National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to submit an annual EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) beginning August 1, 2022, describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. The submitted plan must be established according to NEVI guidance.

For more information about Texas’ NEVI planning process, see the TxDOT Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan website. To review Texas’ NEVI plan, see the Joint Office State Plans for EV Charging website.

Fleet Electrification Assessment – American Electric Power (AEP) Texas

AEP Texas offers advisory services to fleets to analyze vehicle electrification opportunities. Eligible applicants must be AEP Texas fleet customers that own and operate trucks, forklifts, buses, or passenger vehicles. For more information, see the AEP Texas Electric Vehicles for Your Business website.