My name is Erica Banks, and I'm a proud electric vehicle (EV) owner living in Buford, Georgia. Like many other environmentally conscious citizens, I made the switch to an electric vehicle, aiming to reduce pollution and help our planet. However, since 2024, I’ve been subjected to what I consider excessive annual electric vehicle registration fees imposed by the state of Georgia. For each registration period, including my most recent renewal in January 2026, I've paid these additional fees, and it's time to question their fairness.

Beginning with the July 2026–June 2027 registration period, Georgia has set the additional fee for non-commercial electric vehicles at $238.59 per year. While traditional vehicle owners benefit from gasoline taxes that contribute to road maintenance, electric vehicle owners are being disproportionately burdened with fees meant to make up for the shortfall. This approach not only undermines the incentives for adopting cleaner technologies but also unfairly penalizes those who have committed to a more sustainable lifestyle.

In 2025, electric vehicles made up approximately 5% of all new car sales in Georgia, a number that is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. With such growth, it's crucial to establish a fair and transparent fee system to encourage more residents to transition to EVs. The current scheme fails to reflect the environmental benefits these vehicles provide or the savings they offer to the state's overall carbon footprint.

It's time for the Georgia General Assembly to reconsider this policy. A reevaluation could lead to a system that more accurately accounts for the reduced pollution and energy savings associated with electric vehicles. This might include creating a tiered fee structure based on vehicle weight or mileage, or even providing exemptions for owners who rely solely on renewable energy sources to charge their EVs at home.

By signing this petition, we can collectively urge the Georgia General Assembly to revise electric vehicle registration fees to a more equitable standard that reflects both the economic and environmental contributions of EV owners. Together, we can promote a greener future for Georgia, incentivize the shift toward sustainable transportation, and ensure a fair system for all vehicle owners.

Please add your signature to help us bring about this necessary change and advocate for a registration fee structure that supports, rather than hinders, the growth of electric vehicles in Georgia.