Texas EV Charging Costs (2026)

Data updated: March 5, 2026

Texas combines two very different EV charging realities: large deregulated areas where households choose a retail electricity provider, and municipal/co-op territories where utility tariffs drive pricing directly. Because of that split, the most important planning step is matching your charging schedule and plan type to your local service model before comparing vehicles.

Average Rate

$0.16/kWh

Rank #32 out of 50

EV Adoption

3.8%

State adoption estimate

Texas Electricity Rates

Current rates by utility territory, with EV program details.

$0.16/kWh

$0.02/kWh below US average

Public Level 2 (est.): $0.31/kWh ($0.26-$0.40/kWh)

Public DC fast (est.): $0.49/kWh ($0.43-$0.58/kWh)

Estimated public charging prices derived from local electricity rates. Actual prices vary by network, location, and fees.

Competitive retail electricity plans can reduce EV charging costs.

UtilityAvg Rate
ERCOT (deregulated market)$0.16/kWh
City of San Antonio - (TX)$0.13/kWh
Austin Energy$0.14/kWh
El Paso Electric Co$0.14/kWh
Southwestern Public Service Co$0.14/kWh

Utility Context for Texas EV Drivers

In much of Texas, EV charging economics depend on retail plan design (energy charge structure, fixed fees, and usage tiers). In municipal territories such as Austin and San Antonio, published utility rates and local EV programs typically matter more than REP shopping.

  • PUCT confirms that not all parts of Texas are open to retail choice; municipally owned utilities and electric cooperatives may opt in to competition by board action.
  • Texas has a broad REP marketplace in competitive areas, so EV drivers should compare contract terms and total-bill structure, not only advertised energy rates.
  • ERCOT operational conditions can shift quickly during high-demand weather periods, which can affect short-run pricing dynamics and charging behavior decisions.
  • Austin Energy publishes EV-specific home charging resources and rebate pathways, while CPS Energy provides EV program guidance for the San Antonio service area.

Rates updated monthly | Source: EIA and utility filings.

Texas EV Registration Fee

First registration: $400 (two-year period)

Annual renewal: $200.00

Does not apply to hybrid vehicles.

Law reference: Texas Transportation Code 502.360 (SB 505)

Source: txdmv.gov + afdc.energy.gov + ncsl.org/transportation/special-registration-fees-for-electric-and-hybrid-vehicles

Note: Prepayment: $400 for first 2 years on new EVs.

EV Charging Costs by City in Texas

View more Texas cities ->
CityAvg RateMonthly Cost EstimateAction
Houston$0.16/kWh$42.11/monthView city page ->
San Antonio$0.13/kWh$34.21/monthView city page ->
Dallas$0.16/kWh$42.11/monthView city page ->
Austin$0.14/kWh$36.84/monthView city page ->
Fort Worth$0.16/kWh$42.11/monthView city page ->

How Texas Compares to Nearby States

StateRateRank
Texas (Current)$0.16/kWh#32
New Mexico$0.15/kWh#24
Oklahoma$0.12/kWh#6
Arkansas$0.12/kWh#2
Louisiana$0.13/kWh#9
Kentucky$0.13/kWh#8

Calculate Your Texas EV Charging Costs

Start with your ZIP code and EV model to open the full savings calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge an EV in Texas?

Home charging in Texas averages around $0.16/kWh. Public Level 2 sessions are estimated around $0.26-$0.40/kWh, while DC fast charging is estimated around $0.43-$0.58/kWh depending on network and membership. Final cost can also include session or idle fees.

What is the cheapest time to charge an EV in Texas?

Overnight off-peak windows are usually the lowest-cost charging period in Texas. Check your local utility TOU schedule to confirm eligible hours and price windows.

How much does it cost to fully charge a Tesla Model Y in Texas?

Charging a Tesla Model Y from near-empty in Texas costs approximately $12.14 at home, $23.53 at a public Level 2 station, and $37.19 at a DC fast charger, based on EPA efficiency of 25.3 kWh/100 miles and an estimated 300-mile range.

Is home charging cheaper than public fast charging in Texas?

Yes - at $0.16/kWh, home charging in Texas costs 67% less per kWh than DC fast charging.

Ready to calculate your exact charging costs in Texas?

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Internal Resources

Data updated monthly where available.