EV & hybrid drivers also want relief during gas tax suspension

By PAUL BORDENKIRCHER
Guest Columnist

Hoosier motorists across the state have been receiving relief at the pump since May due to the ongoing suspension of gas taxes. Unfortunately, electric vehicle and hybrid owners aren’t getting any reprieve despite paying more to own the vehicles they drive.

In Indiana, EV and hybrid owners pay a mandatory supplemental registration fee – $242 each year for EVs and $81 for hybrids – in place of paying traditional state gasoline taxes. These additional registration fees were established specifically to ensure alternative-fuel drivers contribute their share toward maintaining state roads and transportation infrastructure.

While drivers of gas-powered vehicles are experiencing an extended break from state fuel taxes, clean vehicle drivers are still required to pay their full annual registration surcharge. This creates an inequitable burden, leaving Hoosiers who are making environmentally conscious transportation choices as the only motorists continuously paying their full share toward road funding during this tax holiday.

Many EV owners are also experiencing increased charging costs because electricity rates continue to increase for Hoosiers across the state.

Tax fairness should apply to all residents equally. The gas tax has been suspended for almost six months. Gov. Mike Braun and state leaders should consider providing a proportional refund or discount on EV and hybrid registration fees to reflect the relief offered to other drivers.

The Hoosier Electric Vehicle Association supports fair and sustainable funding for Indiana’s roads. Extending equitable relief to electric and hybrid vehicle drivers is a common-sense step to ensure all Indiana motorists are treated fairly.

Paul Bordenkircher serves as the president of the Hoosier Electric Vehicle Association.