My take: ‘Mild hybrids’ and the new DMV fees

Media coverage of the fees centered on EVs rather than hybrids, which include plug-in models capable of running for shorter distances on battery power. “Mild hybrids" achieve a  modest miles per gallon boost over internal combustion (ICE) cars and trucks, thanks to a small battery.

The Delaware Department of Transportation, facing a budget gap due to declining gasoline consumption, justified the added cost, citing a $250 fee paid by New Jersey EV owners and a $125 fee for vehicles registered in Maryland.

DelDOT also cited the added weight of hybrids and EVs as another reason for the additional charge.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, neither Maryland nor New Jersey imposes a surcharge for mild hybrids, and only a minority of states have an added fee for vehicles lacking an outlet.

The purchase of a mild hybrid last year resulted in a 20% reduction in gas consumption in our household compared to our 2015 compact crossover, leading me to make some rough estimates.

Based on current fuel consumption, the state collected  $25 less in gas taxes than it did with the previous crossover. Based on that rough calculation, the state more than  recoups  that loss. In the case of EVs, the state loses close to the surcharge figure in fuel tax.

The thought that comes to mind is whether the charge runs counter to the state's efforts to reduce emissions and increase the number of green vehicles on the road.

Over the past year, mild hybrids have become widely available. Still, manufacturers are scrambling to meet demand as EV sales fall below projections. Like their EV cousins, hybrids come with both brisk acceleration and fuel savings. Also, the price gap with gas only  is dropping as more hybrids come on the market.

None of this amounts to  is an argument to exempt mild hybrids from the added fee, although DelDOT comes out ahead.  Delaware faces a serious challenge in maintaining and improving its transportation infrastructure.

However, it would not break my heart if owners of  ICE  cars and trucks also pay the $60, even though our household still has a 22-year-old two-door that would be subject to any added surcharge. - Doug Rainey, chief content officer.