A bipartisan group in Congress wants electric vehicle drivers to start paying for the roads they use. The proposed legislation would impose an annual fee of $130 on owners of battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The goal is to replace the revenue lost as drivers shift away from gasoline taxes.

The bill targets a growing problem. Gas taxes fund road repairs and infrastructure. As more Americans buy EVs, those funds shrink. The federal gas tax has not increased since 1993. It now covers less than half of highway spending. Lawmakers say EV owners should contribute their fair share.

How the Fee Would Work

Under the proposal, EV owners would pay $130 each year. Plug-in hybrid owners would pay less, though the exact amount is not yet set. The fee would be collected through annual registration or tax filing. It would be adjusted for inflation over time.

The bill includes a sunset clause. Once a per-mile user fee system is in place nationwide, the flat fee would end. That shift would charge drivers based on how much they actually drive, not a fixed amount.

Why This Matters

Millions of Americans drive EVs, and that number is growing fast. States already struggle to fund road maintenance. Without new revenue, infrastructure projects face delays or cuts. The fee directly affects EV owners by adding an extra ownership cost. It also matters to state transportation agencies and policymakers deciding how to pay for roads in a cleaner vehicle future.

The proposal has backing from both parties but faces opposition from some EV advocates. They argue the fee discourages adoption at a time when the government is pushing for more electric vehicles. Others say the fee is too low given that gas taxes on a typical car run higher than $130 per year.

Next Steps

The bill has been introduced in the House and Senate. It must pass committee votes before reaching the floor. Similar state-level fees already exist in more than 30 states. A federal move would create a national standard for EV road contributions.