Texas Program Provides $2500 Rebate For New EVs And Plug-in Hybrids
The state of Texas Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program is providing rebates to purchasers and leasers of new electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in that state. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is accepting applications for the rebates, and answered some questions for CleanTechnica about the program.
1. You have had about 150 electric hybrids and electric vehicles participate in the program so far.
Can you say which vehicles they are? 
Our top 2 vehicles are the Chevrolet Bolt and Volt. Coming in just behind them would be the Honda Clarity, the Toyota Prime, and the Chrysler Pacifica.
2. Are the program participants so far mainly located in cities?
Rebates under the program are available state-wide. To date, we have received applications from individuals and entities across Texas, including the Houston, Dallas, and Austin areas, as well as San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and El Paso, among others.
3. Is the maximum rebate or incentive $2500? And is it per person, or per vehicle?
The TCEQ may award rebates of up to $2500 for hydrogen fuel cell or other electric drive (plug-in or plug-in hybrid) vehicles. In addition, the TCEQ may award rebates of up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of a new light-duty motor vehicle powered by compressed natural gas or liquid petroleum gas.
4. Is it possible for one person to buy two electric vehicles and receive two rebates?
Yes.
5. How long will the program run?
Applications will be accepted for consideration of rebates under this program until May 31, 2019, or until all available funds are awarded. Rebates under this program are being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The TCEQ can award rebates for up to 1,000 CNG and LPG vehicles and up to 2,000 hydrogen fuel cell or other electric drive (plug-in or plug-in hybrid) vehicles.
6. Is the point of encouraging the purchasing and leasing of these kinds of vehicles to improve air quality?
This program is intended to encourage greater use of vehicles powered by alternative fuels and electricity to stimulate the market for those vehicles and fuels in Texas. The increased use of these vehicles may have positive impacts on air quality in the state.
7. Are Teslas not on the list of eligible vehicles?
Vehicles not sold in Texas, including Tesla models, are not eligible for a rebate under this program.
8. Of the program participants so far, can you say how many vehicles were purchased vs. leased?
The majority of participants in this program have purchased their vehicles, rather than leased.
9. Can your state incentive be combined with any others, like a federal tax credit?
Yes.
10. How do you get the word out about your program…are you working with dealerships?
Yes, we are working with the Texas Automotive Dealership Association on getting the information on the program to the dealerships across Texas. In addition, we have worked with some of the Council of Governments and other entities to help spread the word of the program.
11. If the program is successful, will it be renewed?
The TCEQ implements this grant program at the behest of the state legislature. Statute currently provides for the Texas Emissions Reduction Programs, including the LDPLIP, to continue until Texas attains the national ambient air quality standards for ground-level ozone.
12. Where does the funding for the program come from?
The TERP programs, including the LDPLIP, is allocated funds on a biennial basis from the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Account No. 5071, established by the state legislature in 2001. The fund is comprised of certificate of title fee, commercial motor vehicle registration and inspection fees, and surcharge on the sales and use tax for on-road and off-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles and equipment.
13. Are business owners who buy hybrids and EVs eligible too?
Yes, eligible applicants include individuals, corporations, organizations, governments or governmental subdivisions or agencies, business trusts, partnerships, associations, or any other legal entity.
Image Credit: Kevauto, Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
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