The New York Times article discusses the increasing trend of states imposing fees on electric vehicle (EV) owners to compensate for lost gasoline tax revenues. Vermont recently announced a new fee of $178 for EV registrations, which is double the fee for internal combustion vehicle owners. Currently, at least 39 states have similar annual fees ranging from $50 to $200, reflecting a shift to make EV owners contribute to road maintenance costs. Although environmental advocates agree that EV owners should pay their share, there are concerns that these fees may be excessively high, particularly in states with a significant Republican influence. Additionally, the article highlights the need for a more equitable tax system, potentially based on mileage, rather than a flat fee that disproportionately impacts low-income drivers.

Key Points:

• Vermont is charging EV owners $178 a year for registration, double the fee for gas vehicle owners.
• At least 39 states have instituted annual fees for electric vehicles, significantly increasing recently.
• Fees are aimed at compensating for declining revenues from gasoline taxes due to the rise of electric vehicles.
• Concerns exist about potentially punitive fees designed to discourage EV ownership, especially in Republican-controlled states.
• Proposals for a more equitable mileage-based tax system are being discussed, though technical and privacy challenges arise.
• Some states, such as Vermont, are exploring systems to charge based on mileage starting in 2026.
  Link to Article