The Expert Podcast

• Current EV Market Share: Electric vehicles represent only about 1% of all vehicles on the road, yet states are already implementing additional taxes and fees
• EV Cost Recovery Challenge: Electric vehicles may cost $10,000-$15,000 more than gas versions, and even with monthly fuel savings of $40-50, break-even can take 8-10 years
• Widespread Tax Implementation: 30 states currently have additional taxes on hybrid and electric vehicles, with 12 more states having proposals in legislature (potentially 42 states total)
• Tax Justification: States claim EV drivers don't pay enough taxes since they don't purchase gas, which includes fuel taxes that fund road maintenance
• Current Fee Structure: Annual surcharges range from $70 for standard EVs to $150 for Tesla owners, with potential for increases over time
• Hybrid Vehicle Impact: Even hybrid vehicles face taxes - Toyota Camry hybrid owners pay a $75 surcharge despite getting 35 MPG and still purchasing some gas
• Charging Station Taxes: Some states are adding excise taxes on electricity used at charging stations to capture road use fees
• Infrastructure Problems: In California, 25% of public charging stations are inoperable, compared to the rare occurrence of broken gas pumps
• Grid Capacity Concerns: Questions about whether the electrical grid can handle increased EV adoption, with rolling blackouts already being discussed
• Dealer Network Changes: Ford is forcing dealers to choose between selling only electric vehicles or only gas vehicles - they cannot sell both

• Do you want an electric vehicle?
• Will EVs become mainstream or remain a fad?
• Is more infrastructure investment needed?
• Are EVs too expensive for average consumers?
• Have you experienced charging station problems?
• Has your state issued EV taxes on registration or electric bills?
• What's your preference for Ford dealership sales models?