Just learned a few minutes ago that I will be charged a $100 per year tax for owning a 2012 Prius plug in. This was reported by my local NBC affiliate, WAFF. Apparently I don't contribute enough gas tax toward my state. New fees for Alabama electric, hybrid cars to make up for lost gas taxes I was sure it was a hoax until I saw the article on a credible website. I'd love to hear your thoughts. My car gets nine miles of gas-free driving per day, and I pay for gas for the other daily 13 miles I drive (24 mile commute round trip). I and all other electric car owners in Alabama are being punished for being environmentally conscious as well as thrifty. Wondered if this has happened in any other state and if so, was the law challenged? There are so many reasons it could be challenged I could never think of them all. Posting this on the Prius main forum as well.
I agree with your concerns. Especially passing a tax on people retroactively on the car they own. People are already taxed enough and you certainly have to pay property tax each year on your cars already. As you mention you also pay additional taxes when you fill up with gas as you stated. I think a more equitable way to do this is to pass a law that will tax future purchasers of Electric Vehicles or Plug In Vehicles but existing owners will not be impacted by the new taxes. In this way a buyer knows what they are getting into when they purchase one of these vehicle and can determine if they still want to purchase the vehicle. No one likes to be taxed more, but passing a new punitive tax on existing owners is foul play - in my opinion it is just not fair.
