Is Electric Charging Everywhere in Texas?

TL;DR: Is electric charging everywhere in Texas? Not yet—but access is expanding fast. This guide explores regional charging availability, EV fees, and helpful planning tools for current and future EV owners.

• EVs are growing in popularity across Texas
• Urban areas have strong charging networks
• Texas charges a $200 EV fee
• Use apps to locate charging stations
• Expansion plans will improve rural access
• Federal incentives can offset EV costs
• Planning ahead ensures stress-free road trips

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including highways and average travel distances. Are you a resident of the Lone Star State considering an electric vehicle (EV)? It’s wise to research the logistics before making this major purchase.

Is electric charging available everywhere in Texas? Not quite. But it shouldn’t be long before electric charging infrastructure is rolled out statewide.

At present, major Texas cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin boast a growing number of electric charging stations. In contrast, rural areas may offer fewer opportunities to charge your vehicle on the go. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help ensure your EV stays road-ready in every corner of the state.

In this guide, we’ll highlight urban vs. rural disparities in charging access. Plus, we’ll touch on Texas’s charging fees and look ahead at future expansion plans. Continue reading to determine whether now is the best time to bring home the EV you’ve been dreaming about.

As of late 2024, there are over 320,000 registered EVs in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. That makes Texas the third-highest state for electric vehicle adoption, after California and Florida. Approximately 5% of all drivers in Texas operate an electric vehicle at least some of the time.

The majority of electric vehicles in Texas are located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area. However, at present, there are EVs registered in 245 out of Texas’s 254 counties.

This rise in popularity spurred the state to create the Texas Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan. The goal is to enable electric vehicle travel across the entire state while simultaneously supporting economic development. Clearly, the state government is doing its best to support the infrastructure necessary for a sustainable, electric future.

At present, there are fairly robust charging networks throughout Texas’s largest cities, including Houston, Austin, and Dallas. As of 2024, Texas had more than 8,000 public electric car charging stations. However, there are still some deficits in more rural regions of the state.

Notably, there is limited infrastructure in rural West Texas, as well as the Panhandle and border regions. Ideally, the Texas Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan will help expand access outside of cities. The goal is to provide more equitable access to residents and tourists alike.

Yes, Texas does charge an electric car fee. As of September 2023, Texas imposes a $200 annual registration fee on electric vehicles.

The purpose of the fee is to offset lost gas tax revenue. Gasoline taxes traditionally fund road maintenance and infrastructure. In this case, the electric car fee is helping offset the cost of setting up state-wide charging stations.

Note that the $200 electric car fee is in addition to the standard vehicle registration fee. EV owners will ultimately pay more annually than traditional car owners. However, these fees are less than what most drivers pay for gas on an annual basis and may lead to long-term savings.

Don’t forget to factor in the available federal tax incentives. They may add up to as much as $7,500 for eligible vehicles.

We encourage you to think of the fee as part of your annual operating costs, like insurance or charging. You can factor the fee into your total cost of EV ownership. That should provide a clearer picture of the savings and trade-offs.

If you’re an EV driver in Texas, knowing how to find Texas electric charging stations is essential. Several tools and tips make it easier than ever to locate a charging station when you need one.

There are several apps designed specifically to help EV drivers find electric car charging stations in Texas. They show real-time availability, charger type (Level 2 or DC fast), pricing, and user reviews.

A few popular options include:

• PlugShare
• ChargePoint
• Electrify America

Additionally, Tesla drivers have access to the Tesla Supercharger Map App.

You don’t need a dedicated app to locate charging stations on the go, however. Type "EV charging stations" or "electric charging stations in Texas" into Google Maps. The app will provide a detailed list of stations near your location.

On long trips or trips to rural areas, it’s smart to plan your charging stops in advance. Consider using tools like A Better Routeplanner (ABRP). This tool lets you enter your car model and destination. It will then automatically map out the most efficient charging stops along the way.

Many hotels, particularly national chains, now offer EV chargers in their parking lots. Additionally, shopping centers and grocery stores are adding electric charging stations to attract environmentally conscious customers. Consider planning your next trip or shopping spree with this information in mind.

Ultimately, the answer to “Is electric charging everywhere in Texas?” is no, but that’s rapidly changing. Charging is accessible in Texas’s largest cities and is expanding to less populated areas.

In the meantime, Texas homeowners may have more control over their monthly energy expenses than they think. That includes access to 100% green energy plans through reputable Texas energy suppliers. Enter your Zip Code to browse our energy marketplace and find a lower rate or green energy plan today.