Owners of electric vehicles deserve incentives for the higher fees they’re paying

As an electric vehicle owner, I can say that the state’s incentives went a long way in helping overcome the economic hurdles to purchasing and operating one of them.

Electric vehicles (EVs) cost more to insure and have far less maintenance and “re-filling” infrastructure than traditional cars and trucks. The reduced registration fee and the state and federal tax incentives helped balance out these costs.

But the Illinois General Assembly changed that when they passed the budget and increased the fees on electric vehicles to make up for the fuel taxes EVs do not pay at the pump.

The pendulum has swung in the opposite direction, making an EV more costly to operate than a traditional car, while failing to recognize EVs’ value.

With the flat $100 per year additional fee, an EV will pay more in fuel tax than a standard car, and far more than a hybrid — all while bearing higher insurance and fueling costs.

Yet EVs, lighter than regular cars, cause far less wear and tear on roads and infrastructure. Additionally, EVs create higher air quality since they do not release carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other pollutants.

The Illinois General Assembly has forgotten these benefits in its effort to fund needed road repairs. Most EV users understand the desperate condition of our roads and will bear this increased burden, but would appreciate something in return.

If the state taxes EVs at the same or higher rates than traditional cars, then the state should increase incentives to build infrastructure and provide other supports to EV.

Increasing the number of charging stations, regulating station operators to keep fees manageable, and providing tax and fee relief for EVs in other areas would go a long way to keeping the EV market growing while helping the state balance its budget.

Joseph Clair, Wrightwood

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