September 9, 2013

Electric vehicles are not flying off dealer lots. For the attention electric vehicles have received, particularly from the government, sales are … grounded.

Although little has been reported on the subject of taxing the vehicles for road usage, several states are looking at ways to collect tax. As manufacturers continue to build more fuel-efficient vehicles, less gas taxes are collected but road usage doesn’t decline.

Not long ago I recall reading an article when Brian O’Connell, regional director of state government relations for GM (General Motors) said a $75 annual fee on those vehicles (electric and hybrid) could inhibit market growth in an industry that is still trying to get a foothold.

We are all entitled to an opinion, and it seems that a serious buyer of a Chevrolet Volt that is receiving a $7,500 government incentive on a Volt would unlikely hesitate to lay out $75. And least we forget, the Volt was recently reduced another $5,000 due to sluggish sales.