The state of Texas is now offering rebates on select electric vehicle (EV) purchases including some Tesla models, as made available through a limited-time grant program.
The news was spotted on Monday by X user Anuarbek Imanbaev, who pointed out that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality website details the Grants for Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Conversion Systems program, which is offering up to $2,500 rebates on purchases of EVs for up to 2,000 applicants.
The list of eligible vehicles shows a number of battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, including all of Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y trim variants and at least one Model S option. The state is accepting applications for grant rebates until March 22, 2024, according to its website, though only 2,000 grants will be awarded.
BREAKING! 🚨 Teslas now included in the Texas $2,500 rebate program. @elonmusk Grants for Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Conversion Systems – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality – https://t.co/qS63yJmtai @SawyerMerritt https://t.co/yxGWWt9tzN
— Anuarbek Imanbaev (@anuarbekiman) October 23, 2023
In addition to those from Tesla, the list of eligible vehicles also includes a number of options from other automakers including Ford, Chevrolet, Polestar, Mercedes-Benz, Kia and parent Hyundai, along with many others still. You can view the full list here.
To apply for the Texas EV rebate, drivers simply have to follow the instructions and fill out the appropriate application forms, which can be found here.
The news comes despite some past controversies surrounding EVs in Texas.
Texas is one of a handful of states that prohibits direct vehicle sales, meaning that Tesla is not allowed to sell its EVs in the state without doing so through a franchise, dealer or third-party retailer. The legislation has been targeted by Tesla and other automakers in the past.
Earlier this year, the state’s legislature also proposed and passed an EV tax, making EV owners pay extra fees to help fund road maintenance. SB 505 was enacted in September and will charge EV owners $200 per year in payments alongside their registration. The funding is set to replace revenue lost from EV owners not paying road maintenance taxes normally charged at the gas pump.
Texas is also the headquarters of Tesla’s operations, and it has built a huge “Gigafactory” in Austin. A recent economic impact report from Tesla showed that the company’s Giga Texas facility has created around 15,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
Tesla approved to invest $750,000 into local Texas organizations
What are your thoughts? Let me know at zach@teslarati.com, find me on X at @zacharyvisconti, or send your tips to us at tips@teslarati.com.
