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You Can’t Sit With Us: EV Incentive Returns To Texas But Excludes Tesla

Tesla’s direct to consumers sales method has ruffled a lot of feathers, and it looks like the state of Texas’ feathers is staying ruffled. The Texas Emissions Reduction Program has been restored for 2018 and 2019, but excludes Tesla.

The program provides a rebate of $2,500 to people who purchase an electric vehicle. This rebate, coupled with the federal government’s $7,500 credit could potentially reduce the price of an electric vehicle by as much as $10,000.

One catch: Texas’ program is operated solely through its franchised automotive dealers, and since Texas has one of the country’s most powerful auto-dealer lobbyist contingents, it doesn’t bode well for Tesla, who is restricted from selling vehicles in the state.

https://twitter.com/GreenCarReports/status/875016766862139392

This is interesting because Texas is actually home to ten Tesla galleries (third most under Calfornia and Florida), but Tesla is not allowed to sell any vehicles via the galleries. This means potential customers must purchase their Teslas online and take delivery outside of state lines.

On the eve of Model 3 production, this could be a deciding factor for potential customers looking to take advantage of the rebate. No dealer sale, no rebate from Texas, and suddenly that Chevy Bolt, which could potentially be considerably cheaper after rebates, is looking much more attractive.

SOURCE | Green Car Reports

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