Model 3

Make
Tesla
Segment
Sedan

Owning an electric vehicle comes with plenty of benefits along with some minor drawbacks. Some of the drawbacks include long charge times, range anxiety, and a higher purchasing price, though these can be offset by tax credits, lower running costs, and fuel saving. But these benefits are not set in stone and the United States government is already looking to ditch the $7,5000 tax credit available for EV buyers. The federal government isn't the only source of worry for EV owners because now state governments are starting to target them as well. According to the Chicago Tribune, the state of Illinois is currently looking to charge a massive yearly registration fee for EV owners.

The current registration fee is just $17.50 but the proposed hike from the state Senate would increase it to $1,000 per year. Illinois is justifying this massive increase as a means to make money for road improvements across the state. Since EVs don't provide the state with any gas tax revenue, Illinois' proposed tax is a method to collect those lost taxes from EV owners. In addition to raising the registration fee for EV owners, the legislation calls for an increase of the state's gas tax to $0.44 per gallon (more than double the current amount) and an increase in registration fees for internal combustion cars from $98 to $134.

Automakers are already fearing the repercussions such legislation could have on EV sales. "Imposing fees on EVs that are over 400% more than their gasoline-powered counterparts is not only unfair, it discourages promising new technology that will reduce our dependence on petroleum, reduce emissions, and promote the Illinois economy," Rivian spokesman Michael McHale said.

For EVs to reach a higher level of adoption, we need programs that support the purchase of zero-emissions vehicles. Back in 2016, Ohio even proposed a plan to pay $250 per month to EV drivers. We hope Illinois doesn't go through with the plan because it will just act as another barrier of entry for EVs.