Electric Vehicle Sales in Texas on the Rise
New data shows electric vehicle sales in Texas continue to rise — but the charging network remains spotty. The automobile class represented just under 7% of the state’s new light-duty vehicle sales in the first quarter of 2025, according to an analysis by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. That’s a nearly 7% increase over the previous quarter and more than 6% over a year ago, putting Texas in the number 22 spot for EV market share.
Current State of Electric Vehicle Sales
The increase in electric vehicle sales can be attributed to the growing awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles, including their environmental benefits and lower operating costs. As more people become aware of these benefits, the demand for electric vehicles is likely to continue to rise. In fact, according to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, electric vehicle sales in Texas have been steadily increasing over the past few years, with a significant jump in the first quarter of 2025.
Charging Network Challenges
But the state’s EV drivers are still facing a lagging public charging network. There are more than 370,000 EVs on Texas roads but only about 10,900 public charging outlets — about one for every 34 EVs. That’s just behind the national average of 30 vehicles per port. This shortage of public charging outlets can make it difficult for EV owners to charge their vehicles, particularly for those who do not have access to home charging infrastructure.
Reliance on Public Charging Stations
While much EV charging happens at home, owners without home charging infrastructure — like those living in multifamily complexes — rely heavily on public stations, as do those traveling beyond the bounds of daily commutes. This reliance on public charging stations highlights the need for a more extensive and convenient charging network in Texas.
Business Briefing
Efforts to Address the Charging Network Gap
Several companies have been working to address the gap. Luxury car company Mercedes-Benz, with partner MN8 Energy, has opened more than 100 high-speed charging stations at nine Buc-ee’s travel centers throughout the state, with about 100 more in the planning and construction phase as of April 2025. This initiative aims to provide convenient and fast charging options for EV owners in Texas.
State Investment in Charging Infrastructure
Texas is also investing $400 million to expand statewide charger access, through the state’s five-year Texas Electric Vehicle Charging Plan passed in September 2023. But the private sector hopes it can make progress more quickly to fill in the gaps. The state’s investment in charging infrastructure is a significant step towards addressing the charging network challenges faced by EV owners in Texas.
Automakers’ Investment in Electric Vehicles
Major car manufacturers are also investing heavily in electric vehicles. Ford has promised a new line of lower-cost EVs in 2027, an attempt to capture more of the global market share from Chinese manufacturers. That will include a midsize pickup expected to start at $30,000 — good news for drivers in Texas, the company’s “top state” for F-series sales, Ford said in April. This investment by automakers is likely to further boost the demand for electric vehicles in Texas.
Impact on the Environment
The growth of electric vehicle sales in Texas is expected to have a positive impact on the environment. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. As more people switch to electric vehicles, the state can expect to see a significant reduction in emissions, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electric vehicle sales in Texas are on the rise, driven by growing awareness of their benefits and investment by automakers. However, the state’s charging network remains a challenge, with a shortage of public charging outlets. Efforts by companies and the state to address this gap are underway, and the growth of electric vehicle sales is expected to have a positive impact on the environment. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, it is likely that we will see significant developments in the charging infrastructure and technology in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current market share of electric vehicles in Texas?
A: According to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, electric vehicles represented just under 7% of the state’s new light-duty vehicle sales in the first quarter of 2025.
Q: How many public charging outlets are available in Texas?
A: There are approximately 10,900 public charging outlets in Texas, which is about one for every 34 EVs.
Q: What is the Texas Electric Vehicle Charging Plan?
A: The Texas Electric Vehicle Charging Plan is a five-year plan passed in September 2023, which aims to expand statewide charger access with an investment of $400 million.
Q: What is the expected impact of electric vehicle growth on the environment?
A: The growth of electric vehicle sales in Texas is expected to have a positive impact on the environment, with a reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Q: What are some of the challenges faced by EV owners in Texas?
A: Some of the challenges faced by EV owners in Texas include the shortage of public charging outlets, particularly for those without access to home charging infrastructure, and the need for a more extensive and convenient charging network.
