As Congress considers the transportation funding provisions included in the BUILD America 250 Act, EVA of Ohio and our national Electric Vehicle Association encourage policymakers to carefully evaluate the cumulative impact of transportation-related fees on EV drivers.
More than three dozen states already impose EV-specific registration fees or taxes, and in some states those fees are substantial. In Ohio, EV owners pay $200 a year in addition to standard registration and license fees.
Adding a new federal EV fee on top of existing state charges could result in EV owners contributing more toward transportation funding than comparable gasoline vehicle drivers.
IThe members of EVA of Ohio believe that federal fees on EVs are not aimed at improving transportation infrastructure. Their purpose is to put an unfair burden on potential and EV owners, especially those in underserved, rural and urban communities. The proof to this is the bill itself adds restrictions on EV infrastructure expansion such as the elimination of the EV tax credit in 2025. The strategy is to make it more difficult to expand EV adoption.
EV adoption should be equitable and attainable to all citizens regardless of income and location. The benefits in economics, health, job creation and the pleasure of driving should be available to all.