A new era of the electrified vehicle will soon be upon us. That’s incredibly exciting for everyone who wants our cars and trucks to have a smaller environmental footprint, and for those who understand the importance of reducing our dependence on oil. At the same time, it’s critical that enthusiasts, companies, and governments take a cold hard look at the realities of the transition to plug-in hybrids and electric cars.
The Predictions:
1.The cost of owning and driving an electric vehicle is not likely to be cheaper than using gasoline.
2. 2012 will be a critical year for the commercialization of EVs and plug-in hybrids.
3. Despite the arrival of plug-in hybrids, the hybrid market will continue to grow by adding a greater variety of subcategories.
4. The plug-in hybrids of 2020 may not resemble the plug-ins of 2010.

and no doubt the taxation class for electricity used to drive hybrid or electrical vehicles will by 2020 be commensurate with the taxation rates for gasoline.

(12-26-2009 07:11 AM)benny Wrote:  and no doubt the taxation class for electricity used to drive hybrid or electrical vehicles will by 2020 be commensurate with the taxation rates for gasoline.

It's strange how we tax gasoline and diesel compared with electricity. There's a Federal and State fuel tax on gasoline and diesel but no sales tax; yet, there's a sales tax on electricity. At least we have a chance of beating any further tax on electricity with our own solar and wind generators.

(12-26-2009 12:54 PM)thomasbala Wrote:  

(12-26-2009 07:11 AM)benny Wrote:  and no doubt the taxation class for electricity used to drive hybrid or electrical vehicles will by 2020 be commensurate with the taxation rates for gasoline.

It's strange how we tax gasoline and diesel compared with electricity. There's a Federal and State fuel tax on gasoline and diesel but no sales tax; yet, there's a sales tax on electricity. At least we have a chance of beating any further tax on electricity with our own solar and wind generators.

Think tax on millage.

(12-26-2009 12:54 PM)thomasbala Wrote:  Think tax on millage.

A large majority of the Highway dollars are obtained through the gasoline and diesel tax. When that tax shrinks as the result of going hybrid a mileage tax makes sense to continue to fund the maintenance for the transportation infrastructure. As they say, there is no such thing as a free ride.