Thinking of buying a fuel efficient/electric car---Think again

[JJohnson]

"SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon state officials are proposing an alternative tax for drivers who have bought efficient or electric vehicles that seldom or never stop at the gasoline pump -- where government has traditionally collected money to build and fix roads.

In its upcoming session, the Oregon Legislature is expected to consider a bill to require drivers with a vehicle getting at least 55 miles per gallon of gasoline or the equivalent to pay a per-mile tax after 2015."

http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/j...n-gas-sippers/



So now they want you to spend more money on a fuel efficient car to get better gas mileage and save money. But then they are going to tax you for every mile you drive, and track you with GPS.

Doesnt seem worth it to me.

[Ozarks Tom]

Sort of like when they run campaigns to get people to conserve water, and when the usage goes down, they raise rates to cover their overhead.

I don't know why anyone would complain, after all, it's for the children!

[GarlicGirl]

So, do you think if one has an electric car they should not contribute to maintaining the roads? I think this is reasonable. People don't get electric cars to save on gas taxes, they get them to save on gasoline.

[plowjockey]

Maybe, maybe not.

It is no surprise,( to me, anyway) that Governments are concerned about the future real losses of revenue, from one of their favorite cash cows - fuel taxes.

My 97 ford ranger costs about .15 mile (includes tax) for gasoline. Assuming that .015 cents per mile tax, Nissan leaf electricity, would cost me about a penny per mile, for a total of .025 cents per mile. At 15k miles per year, that a savings of about $1875, in fuel costs, or over $9000 savings at five years.

CO residents can get a leaf, for under $20k.

Buying a new vehicle, just for increase fuel economy usually never adds up, but if someone wants or needs a new car, the fuel savings alone can be significant

[pancho]

I thought sale of car tags were supposed to go to road repair.

[lostspring]

Originally Posted by GarlicGirl

So, do you think if one has an electric car they should not contribute to maintaining the roads? I think this is reasonable. People don't get electric cars to save on gas taxes, they get them to save on gasoline.

Then wouldn't this apply to all who use the roads. Bicycles, farm macherinery etc. A tax on pedestrians who use the sidewalks will be next , they too need maintanence as do bike paths.