In Texas up to $7.7 million in financial incentives is being made available toward the purchase or lease of new natural gas vehicles (NGV) powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane, and electric vehicles, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) announced.

Legislation, SB 1727, enacted by the 83rd Texas Legislature, revised the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan’s Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program as a statewide program to provide up to $2,500 per eligible vehicle. Owners or lessees are eligible for incentives up to $2,500 for purchases and for amounts ranging from $625 to $2,500 for vehicle leases depending upon the length of the lease term.

TCEQ has compiled a list of vehicle makes and models that vehicle and conversion system manufacturers report may meet the eligibility criteria and be available for sale or lease in Texas. This list will be updated whenever a manufacturer submits new information. For information, visit www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/terp.

The application period is to run through June 2015 until all funding is depleted or the limits on the maximum number of vehicles are reached. The maximum number of vehicles allowed is 2,000 electric drive vehicles and 2,000 CNG and propane vehicles.

Only vehicles sold through a franchised dealer in Texas, or leased from a leasing company licensed to do business in Texas, may be eligible. Vehicles purchased from the manufacturer or from an out-of-state dealer would not be eligible. For leased vehicles, the vehicle must be purchased by the leasing company from a franchise dealer in Texas as well. Recipients of the grant would be required to title, register and operate the vehicle in Texas for one year.