Lawmakers are considering new ways to fund road and bridge maintenance as electric vehicle adoption grows in the United States. Representative Sam Graves, chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has proposed an annual fee for electric and hybrid vehicle owners to help cover highway repair costs.
The proposal is part of a multi-year bill aimed at generating billions of dollars for transportation infrastructure. It would impose a fixed yearly charge on EV and hybrid owners to offset the fact that these vehicles do not contribute to the federal gas tax, which traditionally funds road repairs.
The plan follows previous attempts by House Republicans to include similar fees in tax and spending legislation, which were ultimately not enacted. It also builds on efforts in some states to recoup lost gas tax revenue by charging additional registration fees for electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles tend to weigh more than gasoline-powered cars, which increases wear and tear on roads and bridges. This has been cited as a key reason for introducing a dedicated annual fee. Funding from the proposed bill would help ensure that infrastructure maintenance keeps pace with growing vehicle use and supports the safety and longevity of highways nationwide.
The proposal comes as the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act approaches expiration, giving Congress the opportunity to introduce amendments and revise transportation funding policies. The measure is intended to provide a stable, long-term source of funding for U.S. roads and bridges while accommodating the shift to electric mobility.
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