ABC News Daily Should EV drivers pay to use roads?
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Sep 14, 2025 
Giles Parkinson, founder and editor of the EV-focused websites Renew Economy and The Driven, dives into the contentious topic of road user charges for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. He argues that taxing EVs is a clunky solution to address declining fuel excise revenue as EV adoption rises. The discussion highlights legal challenges in states like Victoria and explores fair strategies for implementing usage fees, while also tackling misconceptions about EVs and consumer resistance from traditional car manufacturers. A thought-provoking listen!
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Fuel Excise Is Big But Detached
- The fuel excise raises about $17 billion a year but its link to road funding was cut decades ago.
- Losing that revenue as EVs grow is the core government concern driving road user charge plans.
Hybrids Drive Biggest Revenue Drop
- Hybrids have already cut fuel excise revenue significantly because they use less petrol.
- Targeting only EVs ignores hybrid-driven revenue loss and creates unfairness across vehicle types.
Apply A Universal Road-User Charge
- Make any road user charge universal and based on comparable measures like weight and distance.
- That ensures all vehicles pay a fair share and avoids singling out EV owners unfairly.