The electric vehicle market is expected to reap $457 billion in revenue this year, and experts expect that number to keep growing.
Given Austin’s recent transition into “Tesla town” and Texas’ status as one of the top markets for EVs, we’re giving you a quick breakdown of the status of driving electric in the Capital City.
What’s the Austin EV scene like?
If you swear you’re seeing more Teslas on the streets, you’re probably not wrong. Bat City is considered the No. 4 city in the US for electric vehicles owned and available charging stations.
Austin has one charger for every 1,310 residents — that’s a total of 1,679 chargers, as of February. That puts ATX at No. 11 for charger infrastructure, which is a far jump ahead of other Texas metros. Dallas ranked No. 31, while Houston fell at No. 43, and San Antonio at No. 47.
How to charge
It may seem odd, but you can charge your car with a regular old 120-volt outlet — it just might take all night.
To fill up in a few hours, many EV owners install a Level 2 charger — which is 240 volts — but the charger and installation could cost hundreds. That said, Austin Energy provides a rebate for up to 50% of the cost of purchase and installation.
The city is also stocked with thousands of public charging stations. Austin Energy’s “Plug-In EVerywhere” program costs $4.17 per month for unlimited access.
You might have seen a few more Teslas on the streets since Giga Texas opened in Austin. | Photo by @thesimplesarah
What other rebates should I know about?
EVs can be pricey, but tax credits can offset the cost. The federal government offers as much as $7,500 for an EV purchase, depending on household income and the car’s battery size.
We know, there’s a lot more to know about EVs. If you’re in the market, take a look at Austin Energy’s buyer’s guide.
