Texas To Tax Electric Vehicles To Repair Highways

2023 GMC HUMMER EV Edition 1 Pickup. (Doc. GMC)

JAKARTA - The state government of Texas, United States, is considering taxing an electric vehicle of 200 US dollars per year.

The fee will be charged as compensation because many owners of fossil fuel vehicles have switched to electricity, as a result tax revenue has decreased. And so far taxes on vehicles have been used to improve road infrastructure in Texas.

Supporters of this plan say that electric car drivers must pay the same taxes as motorized car drivers who use fossil fuels. They argue that fuel taxes are used to build and repair road infrastructure, which is also used by electric vehicles.

However, critics rejected the plan and said it was a form of discrimination against electric vehicle owners. They argue that electric vehicles do not worsen road conditions such as motorized vehicles that use fossil fuels, and should not be subject to additional costs.

In addition, electric vehicle supporters say that fuel taxes are taxes that are not environmentally friendly, because they encourage the use of fossil fuels and damage the environment. They argue that the government should provide incentives to electric vehicle owners, not burden them with additional costs.

However, there are other proposals if the amount of tax is also based on the weight of the electric vehicle. Why is it important? According to Carbuzz, March 31, when it comes to its effect on the highway, it would be very unfair if Hummer EVs weighing more than 9,000 pounds (4 tons) were taxed the same amount as the heaviest Chevrolet Bolt weighing less than 1 ton.

Then what about the EV-friendly California region? It turns out that electric car owners are also charged $108 road repair per year. In fact, Arkansas is tighter, charging 200 US dollars road repair costs for BEV, $100 for plug-in hybrids, and 50 US dollars for regular hybrids. Please note, that plug-in hybrid and hybrid owners are also required to pay standard fuel taxes.