Big Brother is watching

[LDB]

Gas prices jumped about 6% today. Yes, I'll pass on $3.50 fuel tax per gallon. Annual mileage readings during state inspection would be easy enough, except for cars with broken odometers. I'm not sure everyone could afford the annual bill though. It's easier per gallon.

[trollbait]

Except cars are moving away from gallons.

[Draigflag]

EVs are way more efficient than ice, so economy isn't really that important given most people will be topping up here and there every other day or even week. I doubt many people will care what miles per kilowatt hour they'll be getting, remaining range is far more important.

[JockoT]

Originally Posted by Draigflag

I doubt many people will care what miles per kilowatt hour they'll be getting, remaining range is far more important.

Until they start charging by the mile. As batteries become more efficient, refuelling becomes quicker, refuelling infrastructure finally comes up to scratch and electricity prices escalate, then Mile/kWh will become important just as mpg is now.

[trollbait]

Pertaining to the topic, electricity isn't as easily taxed for vehicle use as gasoline and other current fuels.

A mileage tax is a fair way of taxing vehicles regardless of their fuel.

[JockoT]

Originally Posted by trollbait

Pertaining to the topic, electricity isn't as easily taxed for vehicle use as gasoline and other current fuels.

Hence the UK government's reason for looking at a better taxation method. In the UK all new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans are set to be banned from sale in 2030. New hybrids will be given a stay of execution until 2035, on the condition they are capable of covering a "significant distance" in zero-emission mode - a term which the Government has yet to define.
As a result, they are looking at a £35m shortfall in fuel tax.

[Draigflag]

Originally Posted by JockoT

As a result, they are looking at a £35m shortfall in fuel tax.

You need a few extra zeros on that figure. The government will be loosing £101 million every day, that's one hell of a dent...

[JockoT]

Yes. Sorry. Should have read £35 billion!

[LDB]

Something will have to be done. I suspect whatever it is will not lean toward user fairness but will lean toward collector increases.

[Draigflag]

Are taxes ever fair? Alot of the buildings in my town had thier windows removed and filled in with stone because a few hundred years ago there was a window tax. No really. That's not far off taxing fresh air for breathing.

Cost per mile is not that different from current fuel tax, the more you drive, the more you pay, except penny for penny, I'm sure it will still work out far cheaper for electric cars, so it's not something I'm worried about.