I have read the TCEQ's rules about the grant at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/legal/rules/hist_rules/Complete.13s/13039114/13039114_pro.pdf.
I understand that Tesla can't sell in Texas. But according to Tesla Leasing | Tesla Motors, they CAN lease cars in Texas.
The TERP grant rules say that the manufacturer must be able to "sell or lease" cars in Texas. It seems to me that Tesla does meet that requirement, since the leasing company is Tesla Leasing and is authorized to lease cars in Texas.
If I can lease a car in Texas, which is not a transaction in another state, pay sales taxes in Texas as a new vehicle (slightly different than buying a CA car and then paying sales tax when it is imported), then *exactly* why is Tesla not eligible?
I do see that Tesla would have to follow certain rules about registering, listing their vehicles, etc., but that's a different issue.
I also know that there is a contentious issue about the whole Tesla model, and that the state may not want them to get the grant. But this is a very specific legal question as to wording that the TCEQ has claimed makes Tesla ineligible. I believe those words were written before the Tesla Business Lease was announced - the lease program was announced in April, while the TERP rebate was announced in May (from what I can tell); but the language was surely drafted in prior months.
Has this been explored thoroughly, and if so, are there any references? The TERP money runs out in June, and they have millions left over. If it's legally available, Tesla owners should have their share.
I understand that Tesla can't sell in Texas. But according to Tesla Leasing | Tesla Motors, they CAN lease cars in Texas.
The TERP grant rules say that the manufacturer must be able to "sell or lease" cars in Texas. It seems to me that Tesla does meet that requirement, since the leasing company is Tesla Leasing and is authorized to lease cars in Texas.
If I can lease a car in Texas, which is not a transaction in another state, pay sales taxes in Texas as a new vehicle (slightly different than buying a CA car and then paying sales tax when it is imported), then *exactly* why is Tesla not eligible?
I do see that Tesla would have to follow certain rules about registering, listing their vehicles, etc., but that's a different issue.
I also know that there is a contentious issue about the whole Tesla model, and that the state may not want them to get the grant. But this is a very specific legal question as to wording that the TCEQ has claimed makes Tesla ineligible. I believe those words were written before the Tesla Business Lease was announced - the lease program was announced in April, while the TERP rebate was announced in May (from what I can tell); but the language was surely drafted in prior months.
Has this been explored thoroughly, and if so, are there any references? The TERP money runs out in June, and they have millions left over. If it's legally available, Tesla owners should have their share.