Starting April 1, 2025, Pennsylvania will implement a Road User Charge (RUC) for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) weighing less than 14,000 pounds.
This change, established under Acts 85 and 149 of 2024, is designed to ensure all drivers contribute to the maintenance of Pennsylvania’s roadways, as gas tax revenues continue to decline due to increasing EV adoption.
Why Is the Road User Charge Being Implemented?
Pennsylvania relies heavily on gas taxes, which account for 78% of PennDOT’s transportation funding. Since EVs do not use gasoline and PHEVs use significantly less, they contribute little to the state’s Motor License Fund.
The RUC helps bridge this gap, ensuring every driver supports infrastructure maintenance.
How Much Will EV and PHEV Owners Pay?
EV and PHEV owners will pay an annual fee when registering or renewing their vehicle registration. The fee structure is as follows:
| Year | EV Fee (Annual) | PHEV Fee (Annual) (25% of EV Fee) |
| 2025 | $200 | $50 |
| 2026 | $250 | $63 |
| 2030 | $286* | $72* |
| 2031+ | Adjusted based on inflation | Adjusted based on inflation |
(*Projected increase based on Consumer Price Index adjustments.)
How Will the Fee Be Collected?
- For New EV/PHEV Registrations After April 1, 2025: A RUC coupon will be mailed to the vehicle owner, who must return it with payment.
- For Renewals After May 2025: The RUC will be due alongside registration renewal.
- Payment Options: Initially, payment must be mailed via check or money order. Starting July 2026, PennDOT will introduce online and monthly payment options.
- Non-Payment Consequences: Failure to pay within 30 days will result in registration renewal being denied.
Are Any Vehicles Exempt from the RUC?
Some electric vehicles will not be subject to the RUC, including:
- Golf carts
- Electric motorcycles
- Vehicles from 1990 or older
- Certain government vehicles
Commercial Vehicles & Alternative Fuel Tax
The new RUC does not apply to commercial electric vehicles, which will continue paying Pennsylvania’s alternative fuel tax based on electricity usage. However, the new law eliminates the alternative fuels tax on electricity for at-home charging.
The Bigger Picture
Pennsylvania isn’t alone in implementing EV fees. Other states, like Texas, have introduced similar charges—Texas, for example, imposes a $400 initial EV registration fee and a $250 annual renewal fee.
With EV adoption growing and federal incentives driving expansion, states are finding ways to compensate for lost gas tax revenue.
What This Means for Fleets and Individuals
If you own or manage EVs or PHEVs in Pennsylvania, be prepared for additional annual costs starting in 2025.
For fleet managers, this means adjusting budgets accordingly and exploring the online payment system once available.
For any questions about driver licensing, registration renewals, or other PennDOT services, contact CNS Licensing at (717) 627-4334 or info@cnslicensing.com.
