HARRISBURG – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by State Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) to replace Pennsylvania’s Alternative Fuels Tax on electric vehicle owners with a flat fee.
Senate Bill 656 would exempt electric vehicle owners from the tax and replace it with a flat annual fee of $290. The fee was calculated based on the average annual gas taxes paid by owners of gas-powered vehicles. Like the gas tax, the revenue from the flat fee will be deposited into the Motor License Fund for highway maintenance and construction.
Currently, owners of electric vehicles are required to file monthly statements with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and remit the alternative fuel tax on how much electricity their vehicle uses. However, most electric vehicle owners do not do this, or are inconsistent at doing so, due to the cumbersome process or simply being unaware.
“This bill simplifies the process for electric vehicle owners and makes sure all drivers are contributing toward the maintenance of Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges,” Rothman said.
The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Morgan Wagner