Mark your calendar for October 13th – that’s when you can grab your piece of a massive state funding pie
Hold onto your hat, Texas! Starting October 13, 2025, the state is literally giving away money to help you buy or lease a cleaner vehicle. We’re talking real cash – up to $5,000 – that goes straight into your pocket when you choose an alternative fuel ride.
Here’s How It Works
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality just announced they’re opening up their Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program (let’s just call it the “clean car cash program” because who has time for all those words?).
Here’s what you need to know: This is first-come, first-served money. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
Here’s What You Can Get
Your wallet will thank you:
- Electric or hydrogen vehicles: Up to $2,500 cash back
- Compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG) vehicles: Up to $5,000 cash back
They’re giving out 2,000 grants for electric and hydrogen cars, plus 1,000 grants for CNG and propane vehicles. Do the math – that’s serious money flying out the door to early birds.
Who’s Eligible?
You’re eligible if you:
- Buy or lease a qualifying vehicle on or after September 1, 2025
- Plan to keep it registered in Texas for at least one year
- Actually take possession of your new ride before applying
Already bought a qualifying vehicle? Good news! You can still apply for the grant as long as you purchased your vehicle on or after September 1, 2025. The program rewards people who’ve already made the switch to cleaner vehicles – you don’t need to have known about the program before buying.
The vehicle has to be brand new (no used cars here, folks) and weigh less than 10,000 pounds. Plus, it needs to be on their approved list – check terpgrants.org to see if your dream car made the cut.
Your Game Plan
Step 1: Visit terpgrants.org right now and scope out which vehicles qualify
Step 2: Set a phone reminder for October 13, 2025, at 8 AM
Step 3: Have your paperwork ready – title, registration, proof of purchase
Step 4: Apply online through their TERP SUNSS system the moment it opens
Remember, this isn’t a lottery – it’s pure speed. The fastest fingers get the cash.
The Real Benefits
Beyond the obvious “free money” appeal, this program is your chance to slash your fuel costs while doing something good for Texas air quality. Electric vehicles especially can save you hundreds monthly on gas, and now the state is covering a chunk of your upfront costs.
Don’t Miss Out
Want updates delivered straight to your inbox? Join their email list at terpgrants.org so you don’t miss any program changes or deadlines.
Questions? Call the TERP team at 800-919-TERP (8377) or email [email protected]
This is a valuable opportunity when the state makes it straightforward to save money on a vehicle purchase. Taking action when the program opens on October 13th could benefit both your budget and Texas air quality.
Pro tip: Start shopping now, but don’t buy until after September 1st. You need that purchase date to qualify for the program.
