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SB 1839

Motor Vehicles, Titling and Registration - As introduced, subjects plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, instead of all hybrid electric vehicles, to the $100 additional vehicle registration fee for electric vehicles. - Amends TCA Section 55-4-116.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Joey Hensley

Limits Tennessee's $100 electric vehicle registration fee to plug-in hybrids only, exempting standard hybrid vehicles from the surcharge.

Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
#motorvehicles #titlingandregistration
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1839

Legislative bill overview

SB 1839 narrows Tennessee's $100 electric vehicle registration fee to apply only to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) rather than all hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). This amends the state's vehicle registration code to create a distinction between plug-in hybrids, which can run on electric power alone, and standard hybrids, which cannot.

Why is this important

This change affects vehicle registration costs for Tennessee drivers and the state's electric vehicle incentive structure. It reduces the financial burden on owners of standard hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius while maintaining the fee for plug-in hybrids, potentially influencing purchasing decisions and state revenue from vehicle registration fees.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: The state loses registration fee revenue from standard hybrid owners, affecting transportation funding
  • Environmental policy consistency: Standard hybrids still reduce emissions; removing their fee may undermine stated EV adoption goals
  • Fairness debate: Whether standard hybrids should be treated differently from PHEVs when both reduce fuel consumption and emissions, just with different mechanisms

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

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