Extra Hybrid Fees for Registration?? (WA)

Renewing my yearly registration (Washington State) and see a $75 "Hybrid Vehicle Electrification Transportation" fee. Wtf.

Looked into the law and it states...

RCW 46.17.324
(1) A vehicle that both (a) uses at least one method of propulsion that is capable of being reenergized by an external source of electricity and (b) is capable of traveling at least thirty miles using only battery power, is subject to an annual seventy-five dollar transportation electrification fee...

Am I crazy or does the 3rd Gen Hybrid Max not satisfy those requirements? You can't plug it into an external source of electricity. I'm also unaware of it going 30 miles on electric only.

Thinking about calling the DOL tomorrow to see what the deal is. Anyone have any insight?

 

It could be an oversight on your registration as it doesn't seem to fit the RCW. I remember jackboot Jay and his ilk wanting to recapture the lost revenue from electric/hybrids from the gas tax.

 

Ohio tacks on an additional $100.00 for a Hybrid.

 

The Tundra hybrid does not satisfy either requirement as currently written RCW.

Many states, if not all, are charging a fee to recapture the lost gas tax revenue from electric/hybrids efficiency. They either get you during registration, vehicle property tax, or increased gas tax at the pump.

OP, I would dispute the charge with your DMV. They'll either tell you "tough luck", refund/ credit you the fee, and/ or rewrite the RCW to include vehicles configured like the Tundra.

 

Also, you might chat with your dealer who ‘should’ have a broader view of DMV fees for this truck.

 

Oregon is doing the same thing; although I'm not sure your truck should qualify for the extra fees based on your state's laws...

Just FYI, if you haven't figured it out yet... There's no such thing as free money or 'credits', etc.. The states want/need their tax revenues, and while people are getting incentivized into buying EVs, putting solar panels on their houses, etc... all the credits and such come from taxpayer pockets (not corporations or the vehicle manufacturers, etc.). So, as more and more EVs and such become main stream, the states will continue to look for ways to replenish their tax deficits through legislation. Oregon has engaged in much discussion for the last several years on how to address this. Right now representatives are publishing/emailing their constituents w/the typical, 'we've lost funds; our infrastructure is collapsing and in need of repair; we can't afford it, so we need you to pay more'...

The big back and forth right now is taxing gas more heavily to make up the difference. However, there is much opposition to this concept because road use is shared by all vehicles (ICE and EVs), yet that puts more burden on ICE to foot the bill. The other argument is a heavier gas tax would create greater financial burden to rural communities as they are more likely to operate ICE over EVs. Whereas large Metro areas, which already have a greater median income will have a lessor tax burden, yet they are responsible for the majority of EV use (IE>> revenue loss)....

They've talked about taxing electricity at a higher rate. However, that would burden all electrical use which would result in increased power bills.

They've talked about taxing charging stations or having charging stations pay a higher electrical rate, which would mean higher charging fees and seems most logical. However, it goes against the grain and push of 'going green' and lowers the motivation for folks to buy EVs.

They've talked about a 'mileage tax', which would tax folks based on the number of miles they drive each year. But, again it creates a heavier burden on rural communities that commute further to work and earn less income than congested metro areas where people are more likely to live closer to their employment.

Finally, they've also talked about road tolls throughout the state. Vehicles would be equipped w/a sensor that is scanned automatically at the toll sites (similar to how some of the CA roads operate) each time you pass through and it just debits your account.

 

Apparently digging a little deeper (reading the next extremely convoluted section) this is where it says I'm required to pay.

2) Beginning October 1, 2019, in lieu of the fee in subsection (1) of this section for a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle that is not required to pay the fees established in RCW 46.17.323 (1) and (4), the department, county auditor, or other agent or subagent appointed by the director must require that the applicant for the annual vehicle registration renewal of such hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle pay a seventy-five dollar hybrid vehicle transportation electrification fee, in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law.

Funny how a vehicle not designed for better fuel milage is being taxed like one that is.

 

I think everyone should take a twenty dollar bill outside and wave it around and that should take care of cleaning the air . lol

 

psshh...

TX hits you with an extra $200 for an EV registration.

clown world.