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Sen. Taylor wins approval for DRIVE Act to address transportation infrastructure and electric vehicles

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has joined the House in approving a measure making sure that drivers of electric vehicles are helping support the state’s transportation infrastructure.  House Bill 2234, by Senate principal author, Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, and House principal author, Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, creates the Driving on Road Infrastructure with Vehicles of Electricity (DRIVE) Act of 2021.

“One of the main sources of funding for Oklahoma’s roads and bridges comes from fuel taxes, but as electric vehicles have become more popular, it’s clear we must find a fair way to ensure those EV drivers are helping support our transportation infrastructure as well,” Taylor said.  “That’s what the DRIVE Act will do.”

HB 2234 would levy a three-cent tax per kilowatt hour to charge an electric vehicle (EV). There would be no tax for EVs that charge at home.  The measure would charge registration fees for EVs based on the vehicle’s weight and type and would provide an income tax credit for charging taxes paid, not to exceed the EV registration fee.  The bill exempts charging stations already operational by November 1, 2021, from charging the tax until 2041.

The legislation would direct 85% of the revenue to the DRIVE fund for road and bridge infrastructure, which will supplement the state’s current ROADS fund, and 15% would be apportioned to counties for deposit in the county highway fund.

“For decades, motorists have largely paid for our road infrastructure with fuel taxes. With the DRIVE Act, Oklahoma has passed forward-thinking legislation that will provide funding for our highway system well into the future for the next generation of automobiles,” Hilbert said.  “I greatly appreciate the support of countless stakeholders who helped ensure this bill was crafted in a fair and equitable way for consumers and automakers alike.”

The measure next will be considered by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Contact info

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has joined the House in approving a measure making sure that drivers of electric vehicles are helping support the state’s transportation infrastructure.  House Bill 2234, by Senate principal author, Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, and House principal author, Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, creates the Driving on Road Infrastructure with Vehicles of Electricity (DRIVE) Act of 2021.

“One of the main sources of funding for Oklahoma’s roads and bridges comes from fuel taxes, but as electric vehicles have become more popular, it’s clear we must find a fair way to ensure those EV drivers are helping support our transportation infrastructure as well,” Taylor said.  “That’s what the DRIVE Act will do.”

HB 2234 would levy a three-cent tax per kilowatt hour to charge an electric vehicle (EV). There would be no tax for EVs that charge at home.  The measure would charge registration fees for EVs based on the vehicle’s weight and type and would provide an income tax credit for charging taxes paid, not to exceed the EV registration fee.  The bill exempts charging stations already operational by November 1, 2021, from charging the tax until 2041.

The legislation would direct 85% of the revenue to the DRIVE fund for road and bridge infrastructure, which will supplement the state’s current ROADS fund, and 15% would be apportioned to counties for deposit in the county highway fund.

“For decades, motorists have largely paid for our road infrastructure with fuel taxes. With the DRIVE Act, Oklahoma has passed forward-thinking legislation that will provide funding for our highway system well into the future for the next generation of automobiles,” Hilbert said.  “I greatly appreciate the support of countless stakeholders who helped ensure this bill was crafted in a fair and equitable way for consumers and automakers alike.”

The measure next will be considered by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

For more information, contact Sen. Zack Taylor at 405-521-5547 or email Zack.Taylor@oksenate.gov