Editorial: Tell state what you think about tax on EVs and hybrids
Published 8:00 am Thursday, February 12, 2026
For Oregonians who bought hybrids and electric vehicles, congratulations. Now the state wants more money from you.
Your gas tax bill at the pump may have been heavily reduced or nonexistent. Legislators are hoping again to try to gradually implement a road user charge. It would charge drivers by the miles they drive. It’s to make up the revenue lost by the increasing fuel efficiency of cars and the fact that some vehicles no longer use traditional gasoline.
The state has a voluntary OReGO program. House Bill 4009 would phase in mandatory participation in the road usage charge program for electric vehicles and hybrids. House Bill 4126 orders the Oregon Department of Transportation to submit a regular report to the Legislature recommending what sort of road usage charge would raise the revenue the state needs to maintain roads. Legislators heard testimony on them on Wednesday.
A problem with a road user charge for electric vehicles is that it makes them less appealing to buy. And many believe Oregon should be encouraging people to be greener and switch out of cars that guzzle gas to those that guzzle electricity.
Oregon has had rebate programs for zero emission vehicles — one for anyone buying an electric vehicle and one for lower-income Oregonians. The problem has been erratic funding. H.B. 4009 would focus the rebates on the ones for low-income households. That would not necessarily be permanent.
A road user fee is more than likely coming for all vehicles in Oregon. The mandatory charge for EVs and hybrids is a first step. The state has practiced with the OReGO program. But when we tried it out, the device to stick in our car to track mileage did not work. That was quickly rectified by switching to a phone-based app. The state needs to ensure OReGO is ready for a deluge of new participants before it requires Oregonians to participate.
If you don’t like the direction of these bills or if you do, now is the time to tell your legislators.
