Surface transportation reauthorization presents Congress’s best opportunity to accelerate transportation electrification and support American economic and national security. Electric vehicles (EVs) give consumers more choices, diversify how we power transportation, create jobs, and ensure the U.S. auto industry remains competitive in global markets. Therefore, the Electrification Coalition urges Congress to:
Reject an Unfair EV Tax
Americans are already facing high prices after years of steep inflation. A new, punitively high EV tax is an unfair and ineffective way to fix the Highway Trust Fund insolvency crisis. EV drivers should pay their fair share toward our nation’s road funding, but because the annual gas tax has not increased since 1993 and is not indexed to inflation, a $250 annual EV tax would be nearly triple the $88 paid by the average driver who drives 12,000 miles per year in a vehicle achieving 25 miles per gallon. Instead of a punitive tax on EVs, Congress should implement a fair solution that requires all drivers to pay their share while supporting a safe and reliable system that meets our nation’s transportation needs.
Maintain Funding for Vital EV Charging Programs
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) and Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) programs are critical initiatives that enable Americans to drive electric with confidence that charging infrastructure will be available whenever and wherever it is needed. These programs have already created thousands of well-paying jobs across the country, building, installing, and maintaining EV charging infrastructure.
Reform and Reauthorize the Low and No Emission Grants Program
The Low and No Emission Grants program has effectively accelerated the transition of our nation’s bus fleet to efficient, low-polluting vehicles. Its success is demonstrated by the fact that the most recent $1.5 billion notice of funding opportunity received $9 billion in applications. We urge Congress to reauthorize the program, combine it with the Bus and Bus Facilities program, make the joint program fuel-neutral, and allow en-route charging and fueling infrastructure to qualify, streamlining implementation while maintaining momentum.
To learn more about federal investments in Michigan, view the factsheet below. To stay updated on the latest developments, subscribe to our monthly newsletter!