Proponents of electric vehicle operation in Kentucky are hoping to see some modification in a related tax measure. The tax on EV charging stations is slated to go into effect in 2024.
The Kentucky General Assembly set in motion the three cent per kilowatt hour excise tax on level two, so-called slow chargers. Initially proposed for 2023, it was then pushed back until this January. Mike Proctor is with Evolve Kentucky, a nonprofit electric vehicle advocacy group. He said part of the aim was to capture revenue from EV operators traveling through the Commonwealth.
“They cast that net just a tad too wide..yeah they caught the folks driving through but they’re also going to effect folks that are in Condos or apartments in Kentucky,” said Proctor.
Proctor noted there are an estimated 13 hundred level two EV chargers in the state. He added this levy would require metering equipment at an additional cost. Proctor thinks it could cause some considering EV infrastructure to think again.
“When they look to see how much red tape is involved, on a monthly basis for heaven’s sake, you got to report this stuff. We’re just afraid the interest is just gonna dry up. They’re gonna say it’s too much hassle. It’s just not worth it,” said Proctor.
Proctor estimates the monthly check to the state in excise taxes would be around six dollars. He envisions slow chargers to be important to fill in gaps where there are not enough fast charging stations.
He’s concerned this taxation method could slow any effort to increase electric vehicle use.
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