$69 EV Registration Fee. Increases are annoying. What about your state?

[TreatYoSelf]

I'm curious what your state does for EV registration taxes. Please let us know!

Today, I registered our Tesla with the state of Colorado, and there seems to be an increase in EV-related fees. When I first registered an EV in 2020, it was a single $50 fee. This year, it's $69 divided between two fees. I understand that states traditionally use gasoline taxes to pay for roads and maintenance. My economics mind likes how the taxes on gas are efficiently applied; you drive more, use the roads more, buy more gas, and pay more taxes.

EV taxes are flat-rate, which is the most annoying part as a driver who doesn't drive a lot. Yes, I can afford it... and in Colorado we get a state tax break when we purchase an EV... but just let me complain ?

Here's Colorado's breakdown of registration fees for our 2020 Tesla Model 3. My new Lightning in 2024 rang in at an eye-watering $1213! Ironically, EV drivers still pay a fee for "Emissions" programs.

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[jimfigler]

geez, most of those fees are ridiculous

 

[The Weatherman]

$160.00 in KY

There is a thread out here where this has been discussed in greater detail. Might try searching it out.

 

[Rlevans]

Over $300 in WA state. They are hitting us hard for not paying gas tax.

 

[Jimbalf]

Texas charges $200. I just got mine renewed this month. Its nice not having to take the truck in for inspection, but ICE vehicles don’t have to do that anymore either in Texas. Just some counties still require emissions testing.

 

[Tfarrell73]

In IL it costs $251 per year for EV registration. $100 more than ICE

 

[Pioneer74]

This is the plate renewal for my 2022 Lariat.

Oddly enough, this is the plate renewal for our 2022 Mach-E. A vehicle that weighs less, and cost less to purchase. Makes no sense.

Yes, the pictures suck. I was renewing on my laptop.

 

[TaxmanHog]

No special fees in Massachusetts .... yet!

 

[RickKeen]

$69 per year is cheap. Here in MN, we pay $75 EV surcharge (also very cheap).
Those low numbers really should be considered a subsidy for EVs.

Compare to the gasoline tax here in MN of $18.4 Federal + $31.8 State. At roughly $0.50 / gallon and presuming 20 MPG average, and 15,000 miles per year, thats like $375 of taxes an average ICE vehicle would pay per year.

 

[SSNutz]

Over $300 in WA state. They are hitting us hard for not paying gas tax.

So in WI we paid $85 annual auto registration fee plus EVs are subject to an additional $175 EV fee. Effective 1/1/25, the state is charging $0.03 per kWh energy surcharge at public charging stations. WI is double dipping here on in state EVs, but I guess this way out of state EV drivers will chip in a bit for road maintence.

 

[ryun]

$200 in PA for 2025. Then $250 in 2026.

 

[BhamDCam]

I just renewed my tag in AL and it was right at $800, which $203 of it was for the annual EV tax they charge to replace the gas tax you're no longer paying. The EV tax doesn't bother me too much since I'd probably be paying that much in gas tax each year anyway.

What bothers me though is that the Pro trim level is not in their system so I had to choose the XLT trim, which I may be paying a little bit more for since it's a higher trim...?

 

[HOTAS]

GA has a $210 registration fee. For $35 more you can also get an Alternative Fuel Tag,
that give single-occupant carpool lane access and toll free express lane access.
Sucks, but we’ll worth it.

Back when GA was offering an EV tax credit, the State was rewarding you for buying a EV, then penalizing you for having it. Gubm’t at it finest.

Now it just penalizes you.

 

[Randall Stephens]

Over $300 in WA state. They are hitting us hard for not paying gas tax.

I’m in the RTA district for Sound Transit and the lightning is heavy enough to avoid paying it. With our MSRP, that’s a savings of several thousand over 10 years. I’ll gladly pay the higher ev tax. I still come out ahead vs a gas truck.

 

[vvgogh]

Here's Colorado's breakdown of registration fees for our 2020 Tesla Model 3. My new Lightning in 2024 rang in at an eye-watering $1213! Ironically, EV drivers still pay a fee for "Emissions" programs.

Colorado's specific ownership tax is based on 75% of MSRP and age. There is a Colorado financial penalty for driving new cars. The curve flattens when you reach 5y, which your Tesla must be close to. So, you're primarily seeing the new car penalty on the newer Lightning. It's virtually eliminated at year 10 ($3). For my lightning, the tax schedule adds up to about 10% of MSRP over the vehicle's life.

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The $1.2 emissions program - We subsidize the field emissions testing of vehicles you see on highway on-ramps. They still take a picture of your license plate and analyze any potential emissions as they do for every car entering the highway.

You missed out benefiting from another "subsidy" - the state parks pass, $29 with registration (defaults opt-in) vs. $80 if purchased outside your vehicle registration.

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