"Kentucky Implements New Taxes and Laws for Electric Vehicles in 2024"
Kentucky has introduced two new taxes on electric vehicles (EVs) that are higher than the taxes on gas vehicles for equivalent energy usage. EV owners now face a $120 annual registration fee and an additional tax at public charging stations, which is 3 cents per kilowatt-hour, or 6 cents on state property. These taxes are significantly higher than the state's gas tax and disproportionately affect apartment dwellers and commuters who rely on public charging. The rationale behind the taxes is the misconception that EVs do not contribute to road maintenance costs, despite evidence that heavy trucks cause most road damage. Critics argue that these taxes are counterproductive, especially since Kentucky aims to be a leader in EV manufacturing and could benefit from cleaner air associated with increased EV usage.