Legislation that would support infrastructure investments by ensuring electric vehicles (EVs) pay into the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) was reintroduced by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) on Feb. 12.
Designed to level the playing field between EVs and gas-powered cars, the Fair Sharing of Highways and Roads for Electric Vehicles (Fair SHARE) Act, S. 536, would require additional investment in the HTF for EVs with heavier batteries to account for the road damage and increased maintenance costs they cause.
Currently, gas-powered cars pay into the HTF via gas taxes, but EVs do not contribute to the HTF. The legislation would require EV owners to pay a fee at the point of sale that would be directed to the HTF.
“EVs can weigh up to three times as much as gas-powered cars, creating more wear and tear on our roads and bridges. It’s only fair that they pay into the Highway Trust Fund just like other cars do. The Fair SHARE Act will require EVs to pay their fair share for the upkeep of America’s infrastructure,” Fischer said.
Fischer’s bill is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE). U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) introduced companion legislation in the House. The legislation is also supported by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).
“All Americans benefit from a robust and safe transportation system. When it comes to paying for the maintenance and expansion of our road network, no one should get a free ride,” Henry Hanscom, ATA senior vice president of Legislative Affairs said. “The trucking industry makes up just four percent of the vehicles on our nation’s highways, yet we pay nearly half the tab into the federal Highway Trust Fund—all while moving over 70 percent of the domestic freight tonnage. Clearly trucks are doing their part to invest in the nation’s infrastructure, and it is reasonable to expect electric vehicles to do the same.”
Dave Bauer, president and CEO of ARTBA, agreed.
“For nearly 70 years, purchasers of gasoline, diesel, gasohol, liquified natural gas and liquified petroleum gas have supported the maintenance and improvement of the nation’s roads and bridges. The lone exception to this user-fairness principle remains vehicles powered by electricity,” Bauer noted.