Reader Question: Recovering Revenue?

Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!

Bob asks: What’s your opinion on how government agencies will reclaim fuel aka highway use taxes from EV users?

My reply: They will do so via mileage taxes. Which will of course be in addition to the taxes we pay at the pump – which will not be reduced. Several states are implementing “pilot” programs and I expect it will eventually be mandatory, nationally. I will also not be surprised to see utility taxes increased as the number of EVs on the road increases and – once again – these taxes will be applied generally, not just on those who plug-in at home. This will be necessary in order to cover the cost of the additional generating capacity that will be necessary when EVs become more than curiosities – which is all-but-inevitable now because of “zero emissions” mandates and (in time) “no go zone” for cars that are not electric.

I sum, we’ll all be paying more to drive. And we’ll be monitored more as we drive – which will be done via mandatory odometer reading, which they’ll insist be done “automatically” via some sort of wireless  means. . .  for the sake of “efficiency” and to “prevent cheating.”

This will, of course, be the means by which they force us all to have a “dongle” transmitter (and monitor) plugged in to our cars’ OBD II port… and if your car doesn’t have the OBD port, it’ll be forced off the road.

I know. It all sounds dark and scary. But such are the times we live in.

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Got a question about cars, Libertarian politics – or anything else? Click on the “ask Eric” link and send ’em in!