Federal Tax Credits (EXPIRED September 30, 2025)
EXPIRED: Federal EV tax credits expired on September 30, 2025. The information below is for historical reference. If you purchased your EV before September 30, 2025, you may still be eligible to claim these credits on your tax return.
New EV Federal Credit
Up to $7,500
EXPIRED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
Historical Information:
- Vehicle must be assembled in North America
- MSRP: $55,000 cap (sedans), $80,000 (SUVs/trucks)
- Income limit: $150K single, $300K joint filers
- Point-of-sale discount was available at dealers
If you purchased before Sept 30, 2025, you may still claim this credit on your tax return.
Used EV Federal Credit
Up to $4,000
EXPIRED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
Historical Information:
- Vehicle must be at least 2 years old
- Sale price: $25,000 maximum
- Income limit: $75K single, $150K joint filers
- One-owner limit (no multiple used credits)
If you purchased before Sept 30, 2025, you may still claim this credit on your tax return.
Important: If you purchased or leased an EV before September 30, 2025, you may still be eligible to claim the federal tax credit when filing your 2025 tax return. Contact a tax professional or visit fueleconomy.gov for details.
Texas State Incentive Programs
LDPLIP Grant (Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program)
TCEQ LDPLIP Grant (Currently Closed)
Closed
Administered by: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
Program Type: Post-purchase grant (first-come, first-served)
Status: Currently closed according to TCEQ. Funding was first-come, first-served. Check TCEQ before buying in case the program reopens.
Eligibility Requirements (if it reopens):
- New light-duty vehicle powered by electricity
- Vehicle must include plug-in hybrid with battery ≥4 kWh
- Purchased or leased on or after September 1, 2025
- Title and registration must be in Texas
- Available to individuals, businesses, and organizations
Grant Amounts (when open):
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV): Up to $2,500
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV ≥4 kWh): Up to $2,500
- CNG/Propane Vehicles: Up to $5,000
Important: LDPLIP is currently closed. Do not count on this grant when budgeting a purchase. Earlier rounds, such as the 2023 program, were also depleted quickly.
Additional Texas State Benefits
No Emissions Testing
$25.50/year saved
Since September 1, 2023, vehicles powered exclusively by electricity are exempt from state motor vehicle emissions inspections.
- Saves approximately $25.50 annually
- No inspection hassle
- Permanent exemption
EV Registration Fees
$400 / $200
Note: Texas charges additional EV registration fees:
- First-time registration: $400
- Annual renewal: $200
- Standard vehicle fees still apply ($50.75)
- Fees fund State Highway Fund
Texas Utility Rebate Programs
Texas utilities offer some of the best EV charging rebates in the nation, with programs available for both residential and commercial installations. These rebates can significantly reduce the cost of installing a Level 2 home charger.
Major Utility Programs
| Utility Company | Service Area | Residential Rebate | Commercial Rebate | Special Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Energy | Austin metro area | Up to $500 or 50% of cost (Level 2 charger) | $3,000 (Level 2) $5,000 (DC Fast) |
Free overnight charging rates 1,600+ public charging ports at $0.09/kWh |
| CPS Energy | San Antonio area | $30 bill credit + $10/month (Smart Rewards) OR $30 + $5/month (Off-Peak Rewards) |
Commercial programs available | EV Smart Rewards / EV Off-Peak Rewards Free street parking while charging |
| Entergy | Southeast Texas | $250 | $250 (Level 2) $1,500 (DC Fast) |
eTech program |
| SWEPCO | Northeast Texas | $250 | Available upon request | ENERGY STAR certified chargers First-come, first-served |
| United Cooperative | Central Texas | $250 - $500 | Commercial programs available | Various programs available |
| TXU Energy | Deregulated areas | Free charging 7PM-1PM | N/A | Requires telematics data sharing |
Detailed Utility Program Information
Austin Energy - Top Rated
Up to $500
Residential Program:
- Up to $500 or 50% of the purchase price of a Power Partner EV-compatible Level 2 home charger
- Requires Power Partner EV enrolment and a new charger installed at your Austin Energy address
- Funding is limited, first-come first-served; not guaranteed until approved
- Plug-In EVerywhereâ„ network access
Additional Benefits:
- 1,600+ Level 2 ports at $0.09/kWh (~1¢/min)
- DC Fast chargers at $0.21/minute
- Time-of-use rates for off-peak charging
CPS Energy EV Smart Rewards
$30 + $10/mo
Two Program Options (managed by WeaveGrid):
EV Smart Rewards (eligible EVs or chargers)
- $30 bill credit for enrolling
- Extra $10 monthly credit for automated smart-charging schedules
EV Off-Peak Rewards
- $30 one-time bill credit on enrolment
- $5 monthly credit for charging off-peak (Mon–Fri 4–10 p.m. is peak)
Check vehicle and charger eligibility with CPS Energy before enrolling.
CPS Energy EV ProgramsEntergy eTech Program
$250
Residential:
- $250 rebate for Level 2 charger purchase and installation
- Covers both equipment and installation costs
Commercial:
- $250 for Level 2 installations
- Up to $1,500 for DC Fast Charging stations
SWEPCO Charger Rebate
$250
Program Details:
- $250 rebate for ENERGY STAR-certified Level 2 chargers
- First-come, first-served basis
- Subject to funding limits
- Must be residential installation
Important: Check funding availability before purchasing equipment.
Check SWEPCO Availability
Pro Tip: Contact your local utility provider even if they're not listed above. Many Texas utilities offer underpublicized EV rebates and time-of-use rates that can significantly reduce your charging costs. Some cooperatives and municipal utilities have programs that aren't widely advertised.
Home Charging Installation Credits
Federal 30C Charger Credit (Expired)
Up to $1,000
EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2026
Residential Credit (Historical):
- 30% tax credit on installation costs
- Maximum $1,000 credit
- Covered equipment and installation
If your charger was installed on or before June 30, 2026, you can still claim it using IRS Form 8911 on your 2026 tax return. Installations after that date no longer qualify.
Federal 30C Commercial Credit (Expired)
Up to $100,000
Business Credit (expired):
- Expired for property placed in service after June 30, 2026
- Had covered 30% of installation costs
- Up to $100,000 per charger in qualifying locations
- Chargers placed in service on or before that date can still be claimed on Form 8911
Electrical Panel Upgrade Credit
Up to $600
Home Improvement Credit (25C):
- 30% credit on electrical panel upgrade costs
- Maximum $600 credit
- Must support EV charging
- Expires December 31, 2025
Note: Have a qualified electrician assess your panel capacity before installing a charger.
Local City & Regional Programs
City of Denton - GreenSense Program
Denton GreenSense Energy Efficiency Rebate
Up to $1,500
Available for Denton residents:
- Up to $1,500 rebate for EV or e-bike purchase
- Also covers smart thermostats, HVAC tune-ups, solar installation
- Multiple green upgrades available
- Check with City of Denton for current program status
Free Public Charging in Major Cities
Dallas Free Charging
- 500+ free charging locations throughout Dallas
- Level 2 chargers available
- Significant savings on daily charging costs
Austin Free Charging
- 400+ free charging stations in Austin area
- Austin Energy Plug-In EVerywhereâ„ network
- Additional low-cost options at $0.09/kWh
San Antonio Free Parking
- Free street parking for BEVs and PHEVs while charging
- 800+ charging locations in San Antonio-New Braunfels area
- Reduces total cost of ownership
How to Apply for Texas EV Incentives
Step-by-Step Application Process
Federal Tax Credit (EXPIRED)
Status: Expired September 30, 2025
Note: If you purchased an EV before September 30, 2025, you may still claim this credit when filing your 2025 tax return. Visit fueleconomy.gov to verify eligibility and get IRS forms.
Step 1: Texas LDPLIP Grant (currently closed)
When: After vehicle purchase and registration in Texas
What you need:
- Proof of purchase or lease (dated Sept 1, 2025 or later)
- Copy of Texas vehicle title and registration
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Dealer Form 2 (signed by dealership representative)
Where to apply: TCEQ LDPLIP Portal
Status: Currently closed per TCEQ. Only relevant if the program reopens.
Step 2: Utility Charger Rebates
When: Before or after charger installation (check specific program)
What you need:
- Proof of EV ownership (registration or lease agreement)
- Charger purchase receipt
- Installation invoice from licensed electrician
- Utility account number
- Photos of installed charger (some programs)
Where to apply: Your utility company's website or customer service
Timeline: Varies by utility, typically 4-8 weeks for rebate
Step 3: Federal Charger Tax Credit (30C)
When: When filing your federal tax return
What you need:
- IRS Form 8911 (Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit)
- Receipts for charger and installation costs
- Installation address (must be your primary residence)
Deadline: Expired June 30, 2026 — installations after this date no longer qualify. If your charger was installed on or before that date, you can still claim the credit.
Note: This is a non-refundable tax credit, not a rebate
Important Tips:
- If LDPLIP reopens, apply quickly - it has been first-come, first-served with limited funding
- Get Dealer Form 2 signed at the dealership when you purchase/lease your vehicle - much harder to get later
- Check with your utility BEFORE purchasing a charger - some programs require pre-approval
- Keep all receipts and documentation for at least 3 years
- Consider consulting a tax professional to maximize all available credits
Income & Eligibility Requirements
| Program | Income Limit (Single) | Income Limit (Joint) | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal New EV Credit (EXPIRED) | $150,000 | $300,000 | Expired Sept 30, 2025 |
| Federal Used EV Credit (EXPIRED) | $75,000 | $150,000 | Expired Sept 30, 2025 |
| LDPLIP Grant | No income limit | No income limit | Texas resident, vehicle registered in TX |
| Utility Rebates | No income limit | No income limit | Must be utility customer with EV |
| 30C Charger Credit (EXPIRED) | No income limit | No income limit | Expired June 30, 2026 — must have owned primary residence and installed by that date |
Good News for Texas Families: Neither LDPLIP (when open) nor the utility programs above have income caps. They are limited by funding and utility service area instead.
Maximum Savings Example (October 2025)
How a Texas Family Can Save $4,700+
Scenario: Austin family purchases a new 2025 electric SUV for $60,000 and installs a Level 2 home charger in October 2025
| Incentive | Amount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Federal New EV Credit | $7,500 | Expired Sept 30, 2025 |
| LDPLIP Grant | $0 (closed) | Currently closed per TCEQ; not counted in the total |
| Austin Energy Charger Rebate | up to $500 | Up to $500 or 50% of charger price, Austin Energy customers only |
| Federal 30C Charger Credit (EXPIRED) | $1,000 | Expired June 30, 2026 — not available on new installations |
| Total Immediate Savings (today) | up to $500 | |
|
Additional Ongoing Savings: • No emissions testing: ~$25.50/year • Lower fuel costs: ~$1,200/year vs gas • Lower maintenance: ~$500/year • Austin Energy off-peak charging rates |
||
Bottom Line: After the incentives still available today, this $60,000 EV still costs roughly $59,500 (Austin Energy customers; less elsewhere), plus ongoing annual savings of about $1,725. Over 5 years that is roughly $9,000 in total savings.
Note: These figures reflect what a Texas buyer can actually get today. Two federal incentives that once applied to this example are gone: the $7,500 EV purchase credit (expired September 30, 2025) and the $1,000 30C home charger credit (expired June 30, 2026). A buyer who completed both before those dates would have saved $12,200 on the same vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get federal EV tax credits in Texas?
No, federal EV tax credits (both the $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs) expired on September 30, 2025. If you purchased or leased an EV before that date, you may still be eligible to claim the credit when filing your 2025 tax return. However, the Texas LDPLIP grant ($2,500) is still available through March 6, 2026, and utility rebates for home chargers remain available. The federal 30C home charger installation credit has also since expired, as of June 30, 2026 — if your charger was installed by then, you can still claim it via Form 8911 on your 2026 return.
Can I stack the LDPLIP grant with utility rebates?
Utility programs can generally be combined with each other (for example a charger rebate plus bill credits). The state LDPLIP grant (up to $2,500) is separate and currently closed, so check TCEQ for reopening. Confirm each program's rules before you buy.
Is the LDPLIP grant first-come, first-served?
Yes, the LDPLIP grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis with limited funding. Previous iterations of the program (like the 2023 version with 2,000 rebates) were depleted quickly. TCEQ currently lists the program as closed. If it reopens, apply as soon as possible after purchasing your EV.
Do I need to be an Austin Energy customer to get the charger rebate?
Yes, utility rebates are only available to customers of that specific utility. If you live in Austin, you can access Austin Energy's home charger rebate (up to $500 or 50% of cost). If you're in San Antonio, CPS Energy offers EV Smart Rewards and Off-Peak Rewards bill credits. Check with YOUR local utility provider to see what programs they offer - many Texas utilities have EV charging rebates that aren't widely advertised.
Are used EVs eligible for the LDPLIP grant?
No, the LDPLIP grant is only available for NEW light-duty vehicles powered by electricity. The federal used EV tax credit of up to $4,000 that once helped here also expired September 30, 2025, so there is currently no purchase incentive for used EVs in Texas. If you bought a qualifying used EV on or before that date — at least 2 years old, priced at $25,000 or less, within the income limits ($75K single, $150K joint) — you may still claim it on your 2025 return.
Does Texas charge extra registration fees for EVs?
Yes. Since September 1, 2023, Texas charges an additional $400 first-time registration fee for new EVs, followed by a $200 annual renewal fee. These fees contribute to the State Highway Fund to offset the gas tax revenue that EV owners don't pay. Standard vehicle registration fees ($50.75) still apply on top of these EV-specific fees.
Can I get the federal tax credit if I lease instead of buy?
No longer. The commercial clean vehicle credit (Section 45W) that leasing companies used to claim expired September 30, 2025, alongside the consumer credits, so there is no federal credit left for a lessor to pass through on a new lease. Some manufacturers still advertise lease incentives, but those are now company discounts rather than a federal credit — ask the dealer what is actually funding the offer. The LDPLIP grant does still apply to leases, as long as the vehicle is titled and registered in Texas.
Are there income limits for the LDPLIP grant?
No. When open, the LDPLIP grant has no income restrictions (it is currently closed). In contrast, the federal EV tax credits do have income limits ($150K single/$300K joint for new EVs, $75K/$150K for used EVs). The LDPLIP grant is available to individuals, businesses, corporations, organizations, and government entities.
What's the best way to find free EV charging in Texas?
Texas has over 1,300 free charging locations, with Dallas (500+) and Austin (400+) leading the way. Use apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, or the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center to find free and paid charging stations. Many shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels offer free Level 2 charging while you shop or dine. San Antonio also offers free street parking for BEVs and PHEVs while charging.
Should I install a home charger or rely on public charging?
Most EV owners find that a home charger is essential for convenience and cost savings. With utility rebates (up to $500 from Austin Energy), the out-of-pocket cost can be quite reasonable — note the federal 30C tax credit that used to offset another 30% (up to $1,000) expired June 30, 2026 and no longer applies to new installations. Home charging typically costs $0.09-0.13 per kWh in Texas, compared to $0.20-0.50 per kWh at public stations. Plus, you'll never wait for an available charger or worry about range on busy days. If you can install one, we highly recommend it.
Official Resources & Applications
Texas State Resources
Federal Resources
Utility Providers
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