Kansas bill proposes heftier price tag for electric vehicles

JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. (KCTV) - Driving an electric or hybrid truck in the state of Kansas could soon become more expensive.

Currently, it costs $100 to an electric SUV in the state, and $50 for a hybrid. However, a new proposed bill would require owners to pay nearly twice that for fully electric and hybrid trucks.

According to a Senate-amended version of House Bill 2121, three new categories of annual license fees would be introduced. This includes annual fees of $30 for motorcycles, $125 for electric hybrids or plug-in hybrid trucks, and $200 for fully electric trucks weighing less than 12,000 pounds.

Meanwhile, all EVs would increase from $100 to $165. The plan is to distribute the money from the higher fees to the State Highway Fund, and the Special City and County highway funds. Energy experts said this proposed bill could be one way lawmakers are trying to offset a loss in gas tax revenue.

“Even with maybe higher registration fees, you can still think about the fact that in the long run you’re probably gonna end up saving money on fuel and maintenance costs, you don’t have to do as much of that so keep doing what you’re doing and know that what you’re doing is making a difference,” said Metropolitan Energy Center senior program coordinator Taylor Corn.

The Metropolitan Energy Center works on various transportation projects related to alternative fuel and reducing carbon emissions throughout the KC Metro. They have worked with companies like UPS to deploy EV’S replacing diesel-fueled vehicles.

“Hopefully we’re not just trying to milk the people who are wanting to make a change in their own carbon footprint by purchasing an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid,” said Corn.

Some EV drivers on the Kansas side of the state line said they are hesitant to the proposed bill. One driver told KCTV he has been turning to electric vehicles since 2019 as a more efficient and low-maintenance way to drive.

“I just think taking the money and saying that we’re gonna fix the roads and be consistent about it, I just don’t think there’s a good checks and balances,” said Tesla Cybertruck driver John Lewis.

Local environmental experts said EV’s have become a growing trend on Kansas City streets in recent years. They hope drivers will reap some of the benefits of the proposed increase with part of the money going toward more EV charging stations.

“I hope that the purpose of it is really to help make the infrastructure more accessible,” said Metropolitan Energy Center senior program coordinator Taylor Corn.

If the bill es, it would go into effect in January 2026.

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