12-20-2016, 09:45 PM
(12-20-2016, 07:33 PM)KevinT Wrote:(12-16-2016, 09:34 AM)MidTowner Wrote: Battery electric vehicles (a trivial number now, but growing) pay no gas tax, but are heavy and thus do disproportionate damage to our roads.
I tend to disagree. Lithium ion batteries are fairly light weight, and a quick comparison of a Tesla Model S to a Hyundai Genesis sedan (yeah, I'm a Hyundai man) shows only a difference of 261 kg (base model) to 399 kg (high end). Compare to an SUV and the differences are smaller to non-existent.
Lots of variables in automotive construction! Batteries are heavier than a (full) fuel tank, but electric powertrains are simpler and lighter than ICE ones. Could be a wash in the end. Maybe.
But the point that EVs don't contribute to road costs through gas taxes is very much valid. I expect that annual registration feels (or usage charges/tolls) will eventually be needed.