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HB 1594

establishing a weight-based tiered registration fee schedule for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Coker

New Hampshire establishes weight-based tiered registration fees for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to replace lost fuel tax revenue and align infrastructure costs with vehicle impact.

Signed by Governor Ayotte 07/02/2026; Chapter 235; eff. 1/1/2027
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Bill Summary · HB 1594

Legislative bill overview

HB 1594 creates a weight-based tiered registration fee structure for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in New Hampshire. Rather than flat registration fees, vehicles would pay fees scaled according to their weight, with heavier vehicles paying higher rates. This modifies how the state collects registration revenue from this growing vehicle category.

Why is this important

As EVs and PHEVs increase market share, states must adapt revenue collection systems since these vehicles don't consume gasoline (which funds road maintenance through fuel taxes). Weight-based fees create a direct link between vehicle impact on infrastructure and registration costs, similar to how commercial trucks pay weight-based fees. This addresses a legitimate funding gap while potentially incentivizing lighter, more efficient vehicle designs.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive impact: Weight-based fees may disproportionately affect rural residents and those requiring larger vehicles (families, trades workers), as heavier EVs tend to cost more and are marketed to affluent buyers; however, this could also be viewed as users paying for infrastructure wear
  • Competitive disadvantage: Heavier EV models (particularly SUVs and trucks) could become less affordable or attractive in New Hampshire compared to neighboring states without such fees, potentially affecting dealer sales and tax revenue
  • Implementation complexity: The state must establish clear weight tiers, determine appropriate fee levels by weight category, and create enforcement mechanisms—administrative burden and potential fairness disputes over boundary classifications

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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