Posted on 04/23/2015 5:28:25 AM PDT by thackney
The federal government and many states have offered car buyers incentives to venture into the electric car market. But now some states are going in a different direction -- they’re charging owners more. Idaho recently approved one of the country’s highest fees for electric cars.
Here’s the problem: states traditionally fund highways with a gas tax. But you only pay that if you buy gas. Last week, Idaho lawmakers voted to charge electric vehicle owners an extra $140 annual registration fee.
… which was news to Cleve Buttars.
"Wow. Well, um ..."
Buttars lives in Twin Falls and drives a Tesla Model S electric car.
“I think that everybody has to pay their share," Buttars says. "And I think that electric vehicles are going to catch on. I love mine. I think that the legislature did the right thing. I think $140 -- I would pay way more than that.”
Buttars is a retired farm equipment dealer. He says he puts a lot of miles on Idaho roads traveling back and forth to his second home in Utah.
Still, critics argue the move will be a disincentive to buyers. Buttars’ Tesla is one of only 184 electric vehicles registered in Idaho.
Idaho’s transportation package, now awaiting the governor’s signature, also includes an extra annual fee of $75 for hybrid vehicles.
The federal government still offers tax incentives for electric vehicles, but states are starting to worry their old model for roads funding won’t cut it in a world populated by hybrid and electric vehicles.
Washington has had a $100-fee on electric cars since 2013. Some lawmakers say it’s time to do away with state tax breaks for buyers.
Georgia’s general assembly just approved a $200 fee -- the highest in the country -- while also ending the state’s electric vehicle tax credit.
Seven states have existing or pending laws that charge electric vehicle drivers extra, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Advocates for electric cars say it’s too early to pull the plug on consumer incentives.
Where do these morons think electricity comes from?
>> Where do these morons think electricity comes from?
Same place they think roads come from.
This is about not paying gasoline or diesel excise tax for road maintenance.
Electrical Power generation, regardeless of by coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydro or other sources is not paying that tax.
“Where do these morons think electricity comes from?”
Obama’s stash?
Like it or not though, electric power generation is a public utility commodity regulated by the state (most of them, anyway).
But I take your point. It is about money, period. To me, the various state departments of transportation are one of the most corrupt parts of government there is. Road contracts, highway maintenance, resurfacing, bridge work, and on down the line - all hotbeds of corruption and kickbacks IMO.
Regardless of all this, I am glad to see that government(states, anyway) is no longer willing subsidize tech that cannot stand on its own two (four) feet and be commercially competitive.
Wow. It’s not very often that you read comments in favor of enriching government coffers on FR.
Where do these morons think electricity comes from?
Most of them have no idea at all.
Do you think it is right for gasoline/diesel users to pay that tax because they drive on the road and electric powered vehicles do not?
Up next: Bicycles
A use tax is only fair. As gasoline use becomes a worse proxy for miles driven, the need for an alternative grows.
Of course, a GPS nanny/spy in every car is a non-starter for privacy reasons. But I don’t see why you couldn’t pay based on yearly mileage when you get your vehicle inspected/registered.
The Washington state legislature has complained about the reduced consumption of gasoline having reduced tax revenues, and has been considering a road use tax or mileage tax to compensate. As always with government, it’s not about money, it’s about money.
I love those free public charging stations for electric cars. Who do they think is paying for the stations and the electricity? You would be horse whipped if you proposed free gas stations, even to refuel hybrid cars, but what is the difference?
Not surprising considering the winters in the state plus the long distances between towns. They are practical only for cruising about a fairly narrow area.
Fees going up on electric cars in Idaho.
That’s right, both of them.
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