Heavy commercial electric vehicle fee increase clears first round

A bill that would triple the registration fee paid by owners of heavy commercial EVs advanced from general file Jan. 14.

The standard state registration fee for alternative-fuel vehicles like electric cars currently is $150, although electric motorcycles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are subject to a reduced fee of $75.

LB207, introduced by Elkhorn Sen. R. Brad von Gillern last session, would require owners of commercially registered alternative fuel vehicles with a gross weight of more than 7,500 pounds to pay a fee that is three times the standard fee, or $450.

Because heavy commercial EVs do not use gasoline, von Gillern said, they do not generate the fuel taxes used for roadway maintenance. He said heavy commercial EVs should cost more to register than traditional passenger EVs because they weigh more and drive more miles on Nebraska’s roads.

Under a Transportation and Telecommunications Committee amendment, adopted 43-0, the $450 fee would not apply to large commercial trucks that operate across state lines.

LB207 advanced to select file on a vote of 43-0.