Tax incentives and/or other incentives for drivers of electric vehicles in Houston.
NEVs are defined as vehicles that can attain a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour (mph) and that must comply with the safety standards in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. NEVs may only be used on roadways that have a posted speed limit of 45 mph or less except to cross at an intersection. A county, municipality, or the Texas Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of NEVs on a street or highway if the governing body determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
(Reference Texas Statutes, Transportation Code 551.301-551.303)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program (LDPLIP) as part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). LDPLIP provides grants 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 application periods, see the TERP website.
(Reference Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 386.154 and Texas Administrative Code Title 30 Part 1 Chapter 114 Subchapter K Division 2 Rule 114.610-114.613)
EVs and NGVs may exceed the state’s gross vehicle weight limits by up to 2,000 pounds (lbs.). The EV or NGV maximum gross vehicle weight may not exceed 82,000 lbs.
(Reference Texas Statutes, Transportation Code 621.101)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the Seaport and Rail Yard Areas Emissions Reduction (SPRY) Program as part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). The SPRY 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 386.181-386.183)
Beginning September 1, 2023, in addition to standard vehicle registration fees, new EV owners must pay a first-time registration fee of $400. After the first-time registration fee, the fee for EV registration renewal is $200. Fees contribute to the State Highway Fund.
(Reference Texas Statutes, Transportation Code 502.360)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the Alternative Fueling Facilities Program (AFFP) as part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). The AFFP offers grants for the construction or reconstruction of an alternative fueling facility for natural gas, hydrogen, biodiesel, propane, electricity, and methanol. Priority will be given to public entities. For more information, including application periods, see the TCEQ TERP website.
(Reference Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 386.153 and 393.001-393.007)
Beginning September 1, 2023, vehicles powered exclusively by electricity are exempt from state motor vehicle emissions inspections.
(Reference Texas Statutes, Transportation Code 621.101)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the Texas Hydrogen Infrastructure, Vehicle, and Equipment (THIVE) program as part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). The THIVE program provides grants to individuals, state and local governments, and private entities for the repower or replacement of eligible vehicles with FCEVs. Eligible projects include heavy-duty on-road and non-road vehicles and fueling infrastructure. For more information, including application periods, see the TCEQ TERP website.
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