Electric Car Registration Prices Increase in Maui and the Rest of Hawaii
Currently electric and hybrid vehicles make up about 2% of the auto market in the United States. Vehicle registration prices are always increasing. Gas prices are not decreasing. Hawaii is a challenging place to live financially and additional living expenses are always relevant.
One of the greatest advantages of living in Hawaii is the continued access to sunlight. Sunlight can be harnessed as solar power. Solar power is more prevalent in Hawai than most states. It’s reasonable for Hawaii residents to have the highest rates of electric car ownership.
The Difficulties with Technological Advances in Electric Cars
Because of the prominence of electric cars, a new problem has arisen over the last decade. From county to federal, the government is trying to find a way to create a fair equilibrium between electric and non-electric cars. The conversation has two sides. One side postulates the need for renewable energy. The other side says, we all use roads and all should pay for them. To highlight the above discussion, Maui based moped owners are also required to pay registration fees as of this year.
New Fees in the Different States
As of the first day of 2020, in Hawaii, the charge is $50. In Kansas, $100. In Alabama and Ohio, $200.
Federal Perspective on the Issue
“I think states are still trying to determine what is a fair or equitable fee on these electric vehicle owners,” said Kristy Hartman, energy program director at the National Conference of State Legislatures.
“It’s kind of a blanket penalty for anyone who chooses to go electric,” said Neda Deylami, a Tesla owner who founded Chicago for EVs, a group that advocates for electric vehicles.
The fee is designed to bring “more than just a fairness relative to maintenance and construction of infrastructure,” said Alabama state Rep. Bill Poole, a Republican, who sponsored the legislation. “I think it went further in terms of planning for the future.”
Other states with new or higher electric vehicle fees taking effect in 2020 include Iowa, Oregon, and Utah. California, which accounts for nearly half of all-electric vehicle sales in the U.S., is to collect a $100 fee on new “zero-emission” vehicles starting July 1.
Why Is This Relevant?
This is the issue is so amorphous. Choices will be made from a perspective of values. Our last post was about Tesla’s Cybertruck. If you are considering purchasing an electric vehicle, make sure to check what current incentives and fees will affect your purchase. Perhaps a combustion engine may be the best financial choice. Perhaps not. Let us know what you think! Aloha.
