At least eight states, all but one controlled by Republicans, now require drivers of electric vehicles to pay a hefty annual registration fee of $200 or more. GOP lawmakers say it’s an effort to make up for lost gas tax revenue. EV advocates say it’s an effort to block sales of the environmentally friendly vehicles.The new fees come as thousands
Critics of the measures say they’re part of a larger culture war on the right against electric vehicles, which conservatives see as a virtue symbol for wealthy elites and a dagger aimed at the oil industry. Former president Donald Trumplast month that he would “not let the government force you into buying an electric vehicle” if he were elected president.
Mark Fagan, a political scientist at Harvard University, said politicians backing the new fees are really trying to prove to their constituents who are paying gas taxes that EV owners “are not getting a complete tax free ride.”States collect registration fees for all vehicles — regardless of fuel type — to help build and maintain roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure.
“There really has to be a holistic approach that makes sure that all consumers are being treated equitably and are being equally charged,” said Dylan Jaff, an energy policy analyst for Consumer Reports. “Many of these states haven’t increased their gas taxes for decades, and there isn’t the political will to do it. It’s easier to adopt these registration fees for a group of consumers that people typically associate with higher incomes.
However, Max Baumhefner, an EV policy expert with the Natural Resources Defense Council, said these programs are still not equitable because the owner of a Rolls-Royce and the owner of a Honda Civic who drive the same number of miles would