May 3, 2023

Electrification in Texas: How to Charge Your Electric Vehicle in the Lone Star State

8 Min. Read

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and Texas is no exception.

While the state is often associated with big trucks and oil rigs, it’s also quickly becoming a hub for innovative and sustainable transportation. As the demand for cleaner, eco-friendly transportation continues to grow, the Lone Star State is stepping up and adopting electrification initiatives to pave the way for a greener tomorrow.

From San Antonio to Dallas to Houston and beyond, Texas cities are making impressive strides to promote EV adoption and pave the way for sustainable transportation solutions. There’s an increasing number of EV charging stations being installed across the state, enabling EV owners to recharge their vehicles. With incentives like tax breaks and rebates offered on EV purchases, many Texans are considering the switch from gas-guzzling vehicles to electric ones.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the key points to consider when charging an electric vehicle in Texas and cover everything you need to know about charging locations, utility rates, electrification incentives, and staying safe on the road when driving an EV deep in the heart of Texas.

Charging Infrastructure in Texas

It’s clear that Texas is already establishing itself as a leader in the EV industry. With the second-largest used EV market in the country and the second-highest number of EV registrations, the Lone Star State ranks among the top four states in the U.S. for EV ownership. And as the second-largest state in the U.S., that’s a lot of land to cover for EV charging.

Where to Charge Your EV in Texas

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in Texas, as residents look to take advantage of lower fuel costs and the growing number of EV charging stations throughout the state. With a variety of EV charging networks available, it’s now easier than ever to find a station near you.

Texas is home to a growing number of electric vehicle charging stations in public spaces. The Texas Department of Transportation is working to expand access to electric vehicle charging stations along major cities, highways, and other transportation corridors throughout the state.

It is important for electric vehicle owners in Texas to be aware of the availability of charging stations, particularly for Level 3 chargers. While these fast chargers are convenient, they should not be used as the primary source of charging, as they can cause significant battery degradation when used more than three times a month.

Level 2 charging stations are a more common and convenient charging option for most drivers. A full charge from empty takes 4 to 10 hours, depending on the battery’s size and the charger’s power output. The added convenience and cost-efficiency of a reliable overnight charge is why many EV owners are opting to install Level 2 EV charging stations at home.

Charge Your EV at Home with Solar

Texas’ abundant sunshine and favorable renewable energy policies make it an ideal location for solar power. In addition to powering homes and businesses, solar energy can also be used to charge electric vehicles through battery storage systems.

By installing solar panels on your home or business and pairing them with a battery storage system, you can charge your electric vehicle using renewable energy. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also saves you money on your energy bills. As the demand for clean energy solutions continues to grow, we can expect to see more Texans turning to solar power to charge their electric vehicles.

EV Charging Networks in Texas

Planning your route based on the availability of charging stations is crucial for any EV driver traveling through Texas. With miles of roads and hours of driving, public charging stations are usually located in high-traffic areas, such as shopping malls, rest stops, and airports, and can provide a much-needed break while you recharge.

With more than 2,000 EV charging locations across the state, it’s now easier than ever to find a station. You can locate EV charging locations in your area by using the U.S. Department of Energy’s online tool, Alternative Fuels Data Center.

Several EV charging networks are available in Texas, making finding a public charging station even more convenient. Each network offers its own unique features, such as mobile apps that can help you locate charging stations and various payment options.

With Texas being a leader in the EV industry, there’s no doubt that the charging infrastructure will continue to improve, making it even easier for Texans and travelers to transition to electric vehicles.

EV Charging Rates in Texas

With the cost of gasoline on the rise, electric vehicle owners in Texas are looking for ways to save money when it comes to charging their cars.

The cost of charging your EV at home depends on the utility rate, the amount of electricity used, and the time of day you choose to charge. Utility rates for residential customers in Texas vary by provider and location but typically range from 10 to 15 cents per kWh.

In Texas, most public EV charging stations are metered and billed either by time or kWh, but the prices are typically higher than what you might otherwise pay for using an at-home charger. Some locations may also charge a flat fee per session. It’s important to check with the charging network before plugging in to understand their billing structure.

Texans owning electric vehicles can take full advantage of time-of-use electricity rates specifically created to make charging much more cost-effective by installing home charging systems. Charging your EV during off-peak hours will allow you to save on electricity costs and help reduce the environmental impact of driving an electric vehicle. Off-peak hours are usually late at night and early in the morning, so you can conveniently charge your car while you sleep and still save money.

The Cost of Electric vs. Gas-Powered Vehicles

The EV market is rapidly expanding, and the cost gap between EVs and gas-powered vehicles will shrink significantly in the future as manufacturers develop more affordable models and battery technology becomes increasingly advanced. While the upfront costs to purchase an electric vehicle are typically higher than comparable gas vehicles, the ongoing fuel and maintenance costs are lower. Over time, the total cost of ownership for an EV can be less than a gas vehicle, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money.

The savings depend on factors like electricity rates, gas prices, and the prices of the specific vehicles being compared. Depending on efficiency, driving an EV in Texas is the equivalent of driving a gas-powered car that gets 68-89 mpg.

If you are a Texas driver looking to make the switch to electric vehicles, now is a great time as there are more charging locations than ever before and improved access to lower-cost electricity rates. With the right infrastructure in place and continued investment from industry leaders, electric vehicle adoption will continue to grow in the Lone Star State.

EV Tax Incentives

While the upfront costs of EVs remain higher than comparable gas vehicles, the tax incentives and lower long-term fuel and maintenance costs can make electric vehicles a smart financial choice for many drivers. There are also federal and state incentives that can significantly reduce the overall cost of purchasing an electric vehicle in Texas.

State Tax Credit

If you have an electric vehicle in Texas, you may be able to get money back from the state. Texas offers a tax credit of up to $2,500 for purchasing or leasing a new EV. There are 2,000 rebates available annually, and they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Federal Tax Credit

From 2023 onwards, buying a plug-in EV could make you eligible for a clean vehicle tax credit. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 changed the rules for credit if you buy a vehicle between 2023 and 2032.

The federal government offers a tax rebate of up to $7,500 for purchasing a new eligible electric or hybrid plug-in vehicle. There are also incentives for used electric vehicles worth considering as well. That said, you can’t get more money back from the credit than the taxes you owe.

You may receive a tax credit for the full amount if you buy an EV that meets certain conditions, such as:

• Must be purchased new, not used
• Final assembly in North America
• A battery pack capacity of at least 7 kWh
• A gross vehicle weight rating of fewer than 14,000 pounds
• Has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than:
  • $80,000 for vans, SUVs, and trucks
  • $50,000 for other vehicles
• Purchased from a qualified manufacturer

The Future of Electric Vehicles in Texas

Electric vehicle owners in the Lone Star State have access to a growing network of charging stations and incentives that make ownership more affordable, but home charging will make owning and driving an EV significantly cheaper and more convenient.

As more people switch to EVs, public infrastructure will continue to expand and new technologies will be developed that make charging faster, cheaper, and more convenient.

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why electric vehicles are becoming a popular choice for Texans. With their lower fuel costs, tax incentives, and growing charging infrastructure, EVs offer many advantages that make them an attractive option for drivers in Texas.

Making the Most of Your EV Experience

Upon acquiring your electric vehicle, you may have discovered that public charging options are not always adequate. Consider installing a home EV charger for reliable, convenient, and significantly cheaper charging.

You want the best for your car, and having a safe and quality EV charger installation will allow you to easily charge at home for years to come. But finding a reliable electrician can be challenging, even for simple projects, let alone installing an EV charging station.

Qmerit streamlines the installation process for EV owners throughout the U.S. and Canada, thanks to our unparalleled network of certified electricians with expertise and training in EV charging systems. Getting started is easy with our Home Charging Assessment. By submitting details about your home and a few photographs, you’ll receive upfront pricing or a personalized quote based on the complexity of your project.

Get it done right the first time and find out why Qmerit is the most trusted provider of electrification installation service in North America. Contact Qmerit today!