It's wrong to discourage electric vehicles

In addition to Sen. Sandoval's proposed outrageous $1,000 annual flat annual registration fee for electric cars being unfair to retirees and other low mileage drivers, consideration has not been given that the added electricity costs for EV owners are taxed. Meanwhile, the state incurs substantial expenses for emissions testing stations which EVs do not visit. Once EVs become ubiquitous, those stations can be closed.

For now, the state needs to encourage a more rapid transition to EVs to greatly reduce air pollution and global warming. Other states still allow income tax credits to encourage the purchase of EVs. Illinois ended its similar program, and it needs to be revived.

The annual car registration fees should be based on mileage driven for each car. Modern cars including EVs provide over-the-air data including mileage to their manufacturers. This can be shared with the state. Meanwhile, the state records odometer readings during emissions tests. If that is considered insufficient, transponders can be attached to odometers as is done for tollway trips.

The proposed $1,000 annual fee for EVs appears to be inspired by auto dealership groups that fund Sen. Sandoval's campaigns. Dealers hope to stave off the adoption of EVs because they are low maintenance, while dealers depend primarily upon parts and service for their profits. In particular, they hope to damage EV maker Tesla due to its direct to consumer sales and service methods. The veiled motive for the proposed $1,000 fee would be to choke off demand for EVs.

That is contrary to the intent of the treasured American free competitive enterprise system. Would you not agree that is un-American?

Curt Renz

Hampshire