USA: EV buyers in Texas to pay an additional $200 per year

Electric vehicles don't have to pay gasoline taxes as they don't use it, however, they do use the roads.

According to media reports, starting September 1st, EV buyers in the state of Texas, USA will have to shell out an additional $200 every year.

The state lawmakers passed 'Senate Bill 505' earlier this year, as per which, an additional $200 fee will have to be paid either when registering a new EV or renewing the registration. The $200 collected from EV owners will go towards the funds that cover road construction and repairs across the state of Texas. Reports also state that those purchasing a new EV will be mandated to pay 2 years of registration or $400 upfront.

The $200 fee for EVs is an alternative to the gasoline fee paid by ICE-powered vehicle owners. The Texas Department of Transport stated that the gasoline tax is the primary funding source for the State Highway Fund. Electric vehicles don't pay those taxes as they don't use gasoline, however, they do use the roads. Reports also stated that while EVs make up just a small portion of cars in Texas, the number is expected to increase exponentially in the future. The agencies called the $200 fee the "most straightforward remedy".

With more and more electric vehicles on the roads, there were also earlier reports suggesting a new road-usage system, which makes car owners pay for every mile driven, irrespective of owning an ICE vehicle or an EV.

Source: TexasTribune