After a three-year hiatus, the Texas program that gives away $2,500 rebates for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and fuel cell cars is back in business. Buyers of compressed natural gas and liquified petroleum gas vehicles could receive up to $5,000.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality just released the rules on the the program that was approved last year by the Texas legislature. The program is called the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP), and its aim is to improve the air quality in Texas. The program was started in 2013, but was shelved in 2015.
To qualify for the rebate, the car must be purchased or leased through an authorized franchise dealership. Tesla buyers, however, are not eligible for the rebate, as Texas does not allow Tesla to sell directly to customers.
This rebate program is only slated to run until May 31, 2019, or until the set-aside funds have run out. Because Texas has 1,000 electric charging stations across the state which makes operating electric vehicles much easier, the funds could run out quickly.
Texas offers other incentives and rebates for drivers that want to be environmentally friendly, as does the federal government. You can search for local and federal incentives by visiting the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy website.