Hybrid and electric cars are sparing the environment. Critics say they’re hurting the roads.

The popularity of these fuel-efficient vehicles is being blamed for a drop in gasoline taxes that pay for local highway and bridge maintenance, with three states enacting rules to make up the losses with added fees on the cars and at least five others weighing similar legislation.

Tax collections have declined relative to the amount of driving as cars become more efficient, said John DeCicco, a Professor of Practice in the Sustainable System field of study at SNRE. His research specializes in transportation energy. He is also affiliated with the Michigan Energy Institute.
“The larger issue is not electric cars as regular cars are getting more efficient,” he said in an interview. “More miles per gallon means less gas tax per mile. That’s the crux of the problem.