The latest surge in fossil-fuel prices means it is now up to nine times cheaper in the UK to drive an electric vehicle (EV) than a petrol or diesel car, shows Carbon Brief analysis.
We need to figure out how to pay for road upkeep somehow.
That’s not to say the way gas taxes are allocated to road maintenance now is perfect. Far from it. But on paper (at least where I’m from) that’s how roads are maintained.
A vehicle tax applied to everything, based on weight, once we have switched to a majority of EVs.
Heck I would happily pay for my bikes, apply it evenly between everything, and I will pay £1 per kilo a year. Less than £40 for my bikes, but not sure many car drivers are going to be happy paying £1500 - £3000+.
Sill, a good way to get the infrastructure fixed, and maybe more people onto public transport or bikes
Depending on the jurisdiction… Gas taxes go towards externalities largely. Roads are funded through general revenue. Perversely, those who don’t drive subsidize drivers.
If I could wave a wand that I dont have:
Gas tax to cover externalities
Tire tax to cover externalities
Toll fees to cover usage.
Reduce income tax and increase social assistance proportionally.
Obviously that would be impossible to sell, but it would be more fair, and incentive better outcomes.
Sales tax makes sense to cover roads because a lot of the wear and tear on the roads is caused by the trucks that deliver goods. Even if you bike to the store, you are using the roads in that way.
We need to figure out how to pay for road upkeep somehow.
That’s not to say the way gas taxes are allocated to road maintenance now is perfect. Far from it. But on paper (at least where I’m from) that’s how roads are maintained.
A vehicle tax applied to everything, based on weight, once we have switched to a majority of EVs.
Heck I would happily pay for my bikes, apply it evenly between everything, and I will pay £1 per kilo a year. Less than £40 for my bikes, but not sure many car drivers are going to be happy paying £1500 - £3000+.
Sill, a good way to get the infrastructure fixed, and maybe more people onto public transport or bikes
Yeah, fuel taxes are supposed to pay for that. Given the state of the roads at least here in California, it sure doesn’t look like it happens.
I’m also in California and would agree. The word “supposed” is doing a lot of work there.
On the other hand, with so many EVs in California we have to at least consider a part of that is because of the loss of gas tax income.
Depending on the jurisdiction… Gas taxes go towards externalities largely. Roads are funded through general revenue. Perversely, those who don’t drive subsidize drivers.
If I could wave a wand that I dont have:
Gas tax to cover externalities
Tire tax to cover externalities
Toll fees to cover usage.
Reduce income tax and increase social assistance proportionally.
Obviously that would be impossible to sell, but it would be more fair, and incentive better outcomes.
Sales tax makes sense to cover roads because a lot of the wear and tear on the roads is caused by the trucks that deliver goods. Even if you bike to the store, you are using the roads in that way.
Cars sitting in the garage have less impact than cars on the road though.
With tolls you can be more targeted. A road in a city has more cost (land and maintenance) and greater externalities (negatively impacts more people)