Required for BEV/PHEV EV surcharge lookup.
Auto-fills county surtax once sheet is configured.
Populated from the Washington rates sheet once configured.
BEV/PHEV: $0 air-quality fee; no EV registration surcharge
Sets combined state+local TPT and AQ compliance fee
Reduces taxable base for TPT / use tax
VLT: 60% of MSRP year 1, then −16.25%/yr
~3–4 mi/kWh typical BEV
$8 reg + $1.50 AQ (excl. VLT)
Populated from the Illinois rates sheet once configured.
Populated from the Florida rates sheet once configured.
Populated from the Texas rates sheet once configured.
Populated from the Louisiana rates sheet once configured.
Reduces sales tax base (new/used only)
12 = full year (renewals always full year)
Used to calculate depreciation for ad valorem tax
5% first 15 days + 5% per 30 days, max 25%
Used for sales/use tax calculation (new & transfer only)
≤60 days = $25; >60 days = max($75, 2× annual reg)
Sets motor-vehicle property tax rate (state 0.45% + local)
Used for 6% motor vehicle usage tax (KRS 138.460)
For annual motor-vehicle property tax; leave blank to use price
Credit for similar tax already paid in another state
Weight-distance tax $0.0285/mile
~25–30 kWh/100 mi ≈ 3.3–4.0 mi/kWh
KY residential avg ~15¢/kWh
Includes ~3.2¢/kWh KY DCFC excise (KRS 138.477)
Base $11.50 + clerk $6 + tech $3
Sets sales tax rate and local permissive registration tax
Reduces sales tax base
Permissive tax prorated 50% if ≤7 months
~25–30 kWh/100 mi ≈ 3.3–4.0 mi/kWh
Wall-to-battery (typical 0.85–0.90)
OH residential avg ~15–20¢/kWh
OH public avg ~$0.43; DCFC often $0.60+
e.g. Adams REC $300, AES signup bonuses
Used for payback years (ΔPrice ÷ annual savings)
Sets combined sales tax (2% state + county + city)
Reduces sales tax base
Typical AL title fee (adjust if your county differs)
~30 kWh/100 mi ≈ 3.33 mi/kWh
Wall-to-battery (typical 0.85–0.90)
AL residential avg ~16.8¢/kWh
AL public avg ~$0.45; DCFC often $0.60+
~$3.80 + 30¢ state + 18.4¢ federal (also used for ICE compare)
Alabama Power L2 rebate
Used for payback years (ΔPrice ÷ annual savings)
Alabama Power TOU
Alabama Power TOU
Sets wheelage tax and county excise
Sets registration depreciation year
Used for §168.013 registration tax & EV surcharge (often = MSRP)
Reduces sales tax base
New plate fee if applicable
Optional dealer documentation (~$200–$275)
~3.3 mi/kWh typical MN BEV
Wall-to-battery (typical 0.85–0.90)
MN residential avg ~16.9¢/kWh
MN public avg ~$0.22–$0.68/kWh; DCFC often higher
MN avg ~$4.02/gal (also used for ICE compare)
Xcel Energy L2 rebate up to $500
Leave 0 to auto-match ICE reg without EV surcharge
Used for payback years (ΔPrice ÷ annual savings)
US DOE avg ~$0.101/mi for ICE
US DOE avg ~$0.061/mi for EV
MN full-coverage avg ~$1,554/yr
EVs often ~15–20% higher than ICE avg
$0.05/kWh public DCFC excise (2027+); 0 to exclude
Xcel Energy Time-of-Day peak
Xcel Energy Time-of-Day off-peak
Sets MVA base fee; EMS $40/yr included in schedule
EV surcharge $125 BEV / $100 PHEV (Jan 2025+)
Optional county/municipal transportation tax
Prior state sales/excise % if transferring into MD (0 = full 6.5%)
~28 kWh/100 mi for Model 3–class BEV
Wall-to-battery (typical 0.85–0.90)
MD residential avg ~22.1¢/kWh
MD public avg ~34.4¢/kWh
Also used for ICE comparison
Pepco/BGE L2 rebate
ICE Class A without EV surcharge
Used for payback years (ΔPrice ÷ annual savings)
Pepco/BGE TOU peak
Pepco/BGE TOU off-peak
Iowa Code §321.116 — BEV $130 / PHEV $65 / motorcycle EV $9
Value fee: 1% if ≤12 yrs old; 0.75% if older
$0.40 per 100 lb (Iowa Code §321.109)
Used for value registration fee and new-registration tax
Credit capped at $4,000 for new-registration fee
~30 kWh/100 mi ≈ 3.33 mi/kWh
Wall-to-battery (typical L2 ~90%)
Iowa residential avg ~13.4¢/kWh (EIA 2024)
Typical IA public L2 ~30¢; DCFC ~55¢
Iowa Code §452A.41 — non-residential charging
Comparable ICE without EV surcharge
Used for 5-/10-year NPV of annual operating cost
EV surcharge $175 / hybrid $75 (2026)
Autos use flat $85; trucks use GVWR tiers
Used for EV surcharge eligibility notes (≤8,000 lb)
Sets sales tax rate and county wheel tax from sheet
Auto-filled from county; override if city levy differs
Auto-filled from county sheet (state + county + city)
Typical dealer processing ~$100–$300
~30 kWh/100 mi ≈ 3.3–3.5 mi/kWh
WI residential avg ~19.7¢/kWh (2026)
Typical WI DCFC ~50–60¢/kWh (sales-tax exempt)
Typical WI utility L2 rebate $400–$800
Auto base without EV/hybrid surcharge
AAA EV avg ~$949/yr
AAA ~$1,694/yr
N.C.G.S. §20-87(13–13a) — BEV $214.50 / PHEV $107.25
County ad valorem at renewal (~0.5–1.5% of value)
Enter DMV-assessed pilot amount for your miles
3% Highway Use Tax (no state sales tax on vehicles)
Lease tax = 3% (cap $2,000) in lieu of HUT
~3.5 mi/kWh typical economy BEV
L2 ~90%; DCFC ~85%
No NC sales tax on residential electricity
e.g. Duke EV Charger Prep credit
Base EV fee ~$63.05 + road-usage (BEV/PHEV)
Sets sales/use tax and emissions code from sheet
Used for simplified weight registration fee
Age fee: <7yr $12 · 7–9 $10 · ≥10 $7 (eff. 7/1/2026)
Enter from county SOT table (varies by age/value)
Typical zone fee; location sets emissions code
Auto-filled from location (combined sales tax)
2026: $750 base + $2,500 low-cost bonus (MSRP ≤ $80k)
Income-qualified: up to $9,000 new / $6,000 used
~3–4 mi/kWh typical BEV
L2 ~90%; DCFC ~85%
CO residential avg ~16.5¢/kWh
Typical DCFC ~$0.35–$0.50/kWh
CO gas excise tax $0.22/gal (included in pump price)
e.g. Xcel Energy $500 L2 rebate
BEV $180 flat / PHEV $56.50 / hybrid $21.75 (2026)
Sets sales tax, corridor fee, and APC (ICE)
Sets age-based uniform fee (new ~$150)
>14,000 lb uses heavy registration tier
Auto-filled from location sheet
$10 in adopting counties (§41-1a-1222)
ICE only in I/M counties; EVs exempt
~3–4 mi/kWh typical BEV
2026 gas tax 52.4¢ → BEV light ~$267 / PHEV ~$113.50
MCL 257.801 weight tax; >8,000 lb = heavy EV surcharge
Indexes EV surcharge above 19¢ (2026: 52.4¢)
Not enacted statewide as of 2026 (default $0)
Use tax on (price − trade-in) × 6%
~$10–$15 for 1-year; $29 for 2-year
~0.35 kWh/mi ≈ 2.86 mi/kWh
§56-3-645: BEV $120 / PHEV&hybrid $60 biennial
Sets millage + flat fees for property tax
Base reg e.g. 4,001–5,000 lb = $40 biennial
Used only if “use sales tax instead of IMF”
~3–4 mi/kWh typical BEV
~half of biennial base + DMV
AFV fee by GVW (eff. Oct 2025): EV $110 / PHEV $85 / HEV $60 under 6,000 lb
Leave 0 to use class default; overrides class bracket when set
Typical specialty $40–$50; vanity $50
e.g. bike-friendly +$25/yr
Also used for DNREC rebate MSRP tiers
Document fee on (price − trade-in) × 5.25%
DE avg ~9,800 mi/yr
~0.30 kWh/mi ≈ 3.33 mi/kWh
Delmarva EVsmart L2 rebate ~$300
Insurify illustrative averages
Default ~50% after 5 years
BEV $120 / PHEV $50 / e-motorcycle $20 per year (unchanged through 2026)
Typical passenger ~$50–$100/yr (class-dependent)
Road-use and base fees multiply by period years
Excise on (price − trade-in) × 5%; no local vehicle sales tax
Optional: up to $7,500 new / $4,000 used if eligible (no ND state rebate)
~4 mi/kWh typical small BEV
L2 public ~$0.25; DCFC ~$0.35–$0.50
Typical ND co-op L2 rebate $100–$750
BEV $100 / PHEV $50 annual decal (W.S. 31-3-102)
Sales tax from WY locality sheet
County fee = 3% × (factor × factory price)
Full year = 12; mid-year first registration prorates
Required for trailer / commercial state fee
Original factory price (used for ad valorem even on used vehicles)
Auto-filled from locality (state 4% + local)
~3–4 mi/kWh typical BEV
BEV $100 / PHEV $50 (eff. July 1, 2023)
Used when class is over 8,000 lb ($1.06 per 100 lb)
Optional town tax (RSA 261:153); e.g. Manchester ~0.3–1.8% of value
Vanity plates typically $60 (new/used only)
Used for TCO only (no NH sales tax)
~3–4 mi/kWh typical BEV
Default ~75% home / 25% public
NHEC $300 L2 rebate (if applicable)
BEV $100/yr (eff. July 1, 2026); PHEV exempt
10+ years old → 30% license fee discount
Optional; class dropdown is primary
Varies by county (often $0–$5/wheel)
Typical plate mail-out on new/used
Often $10 issuance (new/used)
Typically $10 if lien recorded
~3–5 mi/kWh typical BEV
L2 ~15–25¢/kWh; DCFC often timed
e.g. Black Hills Energy up to $500 L2
No separate EV surcharge — BEV uses $32.50/2yr floor
DMV 100-lb brackets · 2,951–3,050 lb = $48.50/2yr
Sets sales tax rate + county use tax / MCTD
$50 through 3/31/2028; drops to $5 after
Optional; capped at $175
EVs exempt from emissions — safety only
For Drive Clean Rebate tier
~3–5 mi/kWh typical BEV
State charger credit up to $500 (to 6/30/26)
BEV $200 / HEV·PHEV $100 (2024–2026 renewals)
Used for truck class (≥26,000 lb or Truck class)
Sets sales tax; Davidson/Shelby preset wheel tax
Davidson $55 · Shelby $50 · others often $0
~3–5 mi/kWh typical BEV
No TN purchase rebate; federal 30C to 6/30/26
MA EV surcharge = $0 (2026)
Sets excise depreciation factor
Original MSRP drives assessed value
Typically $25 if financed
BEVs exempt from emissions; still pay safety
Federal new-EV credit (30D) ended 9/30/2025 — shown as $0 for 2026 purchases. HOV Clean Air decals ended 9/30/2025.
~3–5 mi/kWh typical BEV
Heavy EV decal tiers above 18,000 / 36,000 lb
State 4.225% + local from sheet
Often $2 on ownership transfer
Avg MO utility L2 rebate ~$250
~3–5 mi/kWh typical BEV
~10¢/mi × 12k
~6¢/mi × 12k
BEV uses EV fee tier regardless of MPGe
>26,000 lb → weight-mile (not passenger reg)
DEQ rebates typically require ≥10 kWh
Oregon does not credit trade-in against privilege tax
Typical new $26 · transfer $30
PGE / Pacific Power L2 typically $300–$500
Clean-Air HOV stickers expired 9/30/2025 — no HOV access in 2026. Only one DEQ rebate path (standard or Charge Ahead).
~3–5 mi/kWh typical BEV
~0–19 MPG biennial $126 → $63/yr
CT EV surcharge = $0 (2026). EV/PHEV skip Clean Air fee.
>8,550 lb personal pickup may use §14-47 commercial rates
70% assessment × mills / 1000 (town-specific)
Eversource / UI L2 often up to ~$1,000
NV EV surcharge = $0. EV specialty plate is BEV-only.
Sets GST depreciation age
From county sheet; Clark/Washoe also get +1% GST supplemental
DMV value = 35% × MSRP (NRS 371)
First-time $28.25 · older often $7.25
HOV Clean Air / AFV access ended 9/30/2025. Federal 30D/25E timing depends on delivery date.
Passenger: BEV $165 / PHEV $100 / HEV $70 (eff. Jan 1, 2026)
Passenger base $30 (≤4,500) / $40 (>4,500). Light trucks ≤12,000 use EV flat fees.
Renewals use 12. New/transfer may prorate (K.S.A. 8-134).
State 6.5% + local from sheet
Typically ~$5; varies by county
NEV class is EV-fee exempt even if marked electric
Passenger ≤8k lb: $69 (1–2 yrs) / $57 (3–6) / $45 (7+)
Over 8,000 lb uses §49-434 weight schedule
State 6% + local (max 9%). Auto-fills from county.
County title admin added separately
Idaho has no state EV purchase rebate. Federal 30D generally ended for purchases after 9/30/2025.
BEV/H2 $150; PHEV & EV motorcycle $75 (LB1317 / Jan 2025)
Plate $4.10 on new/used only (not renewal)
Passenger base $15. Trucks use weight tiers (e.g. 6,001–8,000 lb = $25).
State 5.5% + local from sheet
e.g. LES ~$500 smart charger; OPPD programs vary
Nebraska has no state EV purchase rebate or tax credit.
Maine has no EV registration surcharge or mileage tax (2026).
Excise mill rate declines with age (2.40% → 0.40%).
Municipal excise uses original MSRP, not sale price.
29-A §603 — due on new/used, not renewal
Up to ~$5,000–$7,000 new EV with off-peak charger (if eligible)
Maine has no state income-tax credit for EV purchase. No sales-tax exemption for EVs.
Flat annual surcharge only — no WV mileage / RUC tax.
Class 3–4 levy from sheet (personal property tax)
Assessed at 60% of this value × levy rate
e.g. APCo charger rebate (~$250) if eligible
West Virginia has no state EV purchase rebate. Federal 30C home charger credit may apply through 6/30/2026.
WV average ~16,876 mi/yr
≈30 kWh/100 mi default
Class 1 BEV $130 / PHEV $70 (≤6,000 lb)
Age tiers: 0–4 / 5–10 / 11+ years
Sets EV fee class (1–4)
+$825 if MSRP > $150k and ≤10 yr old
Optional; max 0.7% of value (61-3-537)
Montana has no state EV purchase rebate. Public charger electricity tax is 3¢/kWh (15-70-802) — not applied to home charging.
≈33.7 kWh/100 mi (100 MPGe)
Public supply may include 3¢/kWh charger tax
≈$217 + parks/forest for new ICE
EVs renew biennially (no permanent registration)
≤5k $180 · 5–12k $268 · 12–18k $516 · >18k $662 (biennial)
Typically $15 if recording a lien
Anchorage MVRT repealed; enter borough tax if applicable
Anchorage/Fairbanks ICE ~$2; BEVs exempt
e.g. Alaska Power & Tel ~$500 if eligible
Alaska has no statewide sales tax and no state EV purchase credit in 2026.
≈30 kWh/100 mi default
≈$180 biennial ÷ 2
Only BEVs get the $40 Class V rate (not PHEVs)
Excise tiers: ≤3,499 / 3,500–4,999 / ≥5,000. BEVs −1,000 lb after year 2.
DC infrastructure credit = 50% up to $1,000 (expires 12/31/2026)
DC has no EV purchase rebate. No per-mile EV fee. Emissions inspection waived for BEVs.
DC average VMT is low (~4,600); default 8,000
Annual surcharge effective Jan 1, 2026 (no per-mile EV fee)
Override if your DMV notice differs (motorcycle default $23)
PowerUp RI residential rebate typically up to $1,000–$1,500
RI average VMT ≈ 10,000 mi/yr
State OER: L2 $0.28 · DCFC $0.39
Default $89 annual / $163 biennial (auto-updates with period)
Optional; varies by town (~1–2% of value)
Default 12,000 (VT rural drivers often higher)
BEVs pay RUC (not the old $50 alt-fuel line). Maui adds $100 EV / $50 hybrid.
State: 1.75¢/lb ≤4k; 2¢ 4–7k; 2.25¢ >7k. Plus county ¢/lb.
Flat $50 option ends 6/30/2028; then RUC only.
State GET 4% + county surcharge (e.g. Honolulu 0.5%)
Up to $500/port (L2) through 6/30/2026 — enter if claimed
Hawaii has no state EV purchase tax credit. EVs keep HOV lane use and free government parking (HRS §291-71).
Age 5+ uses reduced base fee
≤2k / 2–3k / >3k classes. >26k uses WDT.
No NM state EV purchase rebate. Federal 30D/25E generally ended for purchases after 9/30/2025.
Montana electric vehicle owners pay class-based annual registration surcharges on top of standard age-based registration fees under Montana Code Annotated Sections 61-3-572 and 61-3-573. Effective July 1, 2023, a Class 1 light vehicle (up to 6,000 pounds unladen weight) pays $130 per year for a battery-electric vehicle or $70 for a plug-in hybrid, plus the normal registration fee of $217 for vehicles zero to four years old. One-time permanent registration fees of $260 for Class 1 EVs and $140 for Class 1 PHEVs apply when owners elect permanent plates after year eleven. Montana also taxes electricity delivered at public charging stations at 3 cents per kilowatt-hour under Section 15-70-802, effective July 1, 2025. Residential electricity averages about 14.7 cents per kilowatt-hour statewide. Montana offers no state purchase rebate for EVs. Federal new-vehicle purchase credits of up to $7,500 generally expired for acquisitions after September 30, 2025, though the home charger tax credit remains through June 30, 2026. Statute provides a 30 percent reduction in EV registration fees for Montana residents beginning July 1, 2028. This guide explains every statutory fee, weight class, utility rate, charger tax, and calculation step so you can estimate the true cost of registering and owning an electric vehicle in Montana.
Why Montana EV Registration Costs Matter
Montana funds highways partly through gasoline and diesel excise taxes at the pump. Electric vehicles bypass those taxes, so the legislature added registration surcharges and a public charger electricity tax to replace a portion of road revenue. Class 1 battery-electric owners pay $130 per year on top of age-based registration that can reach $217 for newer vehicles.
Montana’s electricity rates sit in the low-to-middle range nationally at roughly 14.7 cents per kilowatt-hour. That helps offset the EV surcharge. A typical driver at 12,000 miles per year and 30 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles uses about 3,600 kilowatt-hours annually, costing roughly $504 in electricity versus about $1,400 in gasoline for a 30-mpg car at $3.50 per gallon. Fuel savings of roughly $900 per year exceed the $130 EV fee for most Class 1 owners.
Weight class matters significantly. A Ford F-150 Lightning in Class 2 pays $190 per year in EV fees plus higher base registration. Commercial Class 3 and Class 4 vehicles face surcharges up to $1,100 per year for battery-electric models.
Important: EV registration fees are scheduled to drop 30 percent for Montana residents beginning July 1, 2028 under current statute. Class 1 BEV annual fee would fall from $130 to $91. Public charger tax of 3¢/kWh took effect July 1, 2025.
EV and PHEV Registration Surcharges (MCA §61-3-572)
Section 61-3-572 imposes additional annual registration fees on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by unladen weight class. Revenue deposits into the Highway Restricted Account. Fees apply in addition to ordinary registration, parks fees, and forest fund charges.
| Weight class | Unladen weight | BEV annual | PHEV annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | ≤ 6,000 lb | $130 | $70 |
| Class 2 | 6,001–10,000 lb | $190 | $100 |
| Class 3 | 10,001–26,000 lb | $340 | $210 |
| Class 4 | > 26,000 lb | $1,100 | $700 |
Fuel-cell vehicles have no separate fee provision under current law and generally pay standard registration without the alternative fuel surcharge unless reclassified by future legislation.
Permanent registration fees (MCA §61-3-573)
Owners may elect permanent registration after a vehicle reaches eleven years of age. One-time EV fees apply at permanent registration for Classes 1 and 2:
| Class | BEV one-time | PHEV one-time |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | $260 | $140 |
| Class 2 | $380 | $200 |
Permanent registration also requires the standard $87.50 permanent fee plus any county motor vehicle tax multiplied by five years under Section 61-3-537.
Example 1: Class 1 BEV, Three Years Old (Annual Renewal)
Scenario: 2023 Tesla Model 3 registered in Yellowstone County, annual renewal.
Base registration (0–4 years): $217.00 EV surcharge (Class 1 BEV): $130.00 State parks fee: $9.00 Forest/fuel fund fee: $10.00 Admin (~3% on base): ~$6.50 ────────────────────────────────────────── Approximate annual total: ~$372.50
Example 2: Class 2 PHEV vs. Class 1 BEV
Class 1 BEV annual EV fee: $130.00 Class 1 PHEV annual EV fee: $70.00 Class 2 BEV (e.g. EV pickup): $190.00 Class 2 PHEV: $100.00 10-year cumulative Class 1 BEV fee: $1,300.00 (vs. $910 after 30% cut in 2028 if unchanged)
References:
- MCA §61-3-572 — annual registration fees for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
- MCA §61-3-573 — permanent registration fees for EVs and PHEVs
- MCA §61-3-571 — weight class definitions
- Montana Motor Vehicle Division — registration fee publications
Base Registration and Age-Based Fees
All light vehicles (cars and trucks one ton or less) pay age-based registration under Montana law before any EV surcharge applies.
| Vehicle age | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 years | $217 | Plus ~3% admin (~$223 total) |
| 5–10 years | $87 | Plus ~3% admin |
| 11+ years | $28 | Permanent registration option available |
| High-value surcharge | +$825 | MSRP > $150,000, vehicle ≤ 10 years old |
Common add-on fees (EV and ICE alike)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State parks fee | $9 | Waivable by owner election |
| Forest/fuel fund fee | $10 | Mandatory on light vehicles |
| Volunteer Fish & Wildlife | $5 | Optional donation |
| License issuance (by mail) | $3 | When applicable |
Counties may levy an additional motor vehicle tax up to 0.7 percent of depreciated value under Section 61-3-537. If enacted locally, half the revenue goes to incorporated cities. Permanent registration requires payment of five years of local tax upfront.
Example 1: Five-Year-Old Gasoline Sedan (No EV Fee)
Base registration (5–10 years): $87.00 EV surcharge: $0.00 Parks + forest fees: $19.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Approximate annual total: ~$106.00
Example 2: Same-Age Class 1 PHEV
Base registration (5–10 years): $87.00 PHEV surcharge (Class 1): $70.00 Parks + forest fees: $19.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Approximate annual total: ~$176.00
The PHEV pays $70 more per year than an equivalent gasoline car in the same age bracket.
References:
- MCA §61-3-321 — registration fees by vehicle age
- MCA §61-3-537 — county motor vehicle tax option
- Montana Motor Vehicle Division — fee schedule and county tax list
Public EV Charger Electricity Tax (MCA §15-70-802)
Beginning July 1, 2025, Montana taxes electricity delivered to public electric vehicle charging stations at 3 cents per kilowatt-hour. The tax is collected through a separate utility meter and remitted to the Highway Account. Home charging is not subject to this tax.
Montana’s base motor fuel tax remains approximately 33.2 cents per gallon for gasoline and 33.8 cents per gallon for diesel. Hydrogen fuel is taxed by diesel gallon equivalent at roughly 65 cents per DGE. EV owners pay no pump fuel tax on electric miles but face registration surcharges and the public charger tax when using commercial stations.
Example 1: Public DC Fast Charging Session
Scenario: 50 kWh delivered at a public charger, base rate 40¢/kWh before tax.
Energy charge: 50 × $0.40 = $20.00 Montana charger tax: 50 × $0.03 = $1.50 ────────────────────────────────────────── Total session cost: $21.50 Effective rate: $21.50 ÷ 50 = $0.43/kWh
Example 2: Annual Public Charging (20% of 12,000 mi)
Scenario: 2,400 electric miles at 30 kWh/100 mi, 720 kWh at public stations.
Public kWh per year: 720 kWh Charger tax: 720 × $0.03 = $21.60 (Plus energy charges at station rate)
Home charging avoids the 3¢/kWh tax entirely. Most Montana EV owners who charge primarily at home see minimal charger tax impact.
References:
- MCA §15-70-802 — tax on electricity for public EV charging stations
- MCA Title 15, Chapter 70 — motor fuel and special fuel taxes
- Montana Department of Transportation — highway revenue publications
Montana Electricity Rates and Charging Costs
Montana residential electricity averaged about 14.7 cents per kilowatt-hour in May 2026 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Commercial rates averaged about 13.2 cents per kilowatt-hour. Rates vary by utility territory and season, with summer bills often 20 to 25 percent higher than winter due to air conditioning load.
| Utility | Territory | Typical rate (750 kWh/mo) | EV programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| NorthWestern Energy (NWE) | Most of Montana | ~13–17¢/kWh | TOU pilot (limited) |
| Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) | Billings area | ~12–15¢/kWh | Rate 16 time-of-day optional |
| Rural cooperatives | Various | Similar range | Generally no EV-specific rate |
MDU optional time-of-day rate (Rate 16)
MDU customers may enroll in a voluntary time-of-day plan with on-peak energy near 10.5 cents per kilowatt-hour in summer and off-peak near 6.5 cents plus a fuel adjustment of roughly 2.3 cents. Nighttime EV charging on off-peak rates can reduce fuel cost substantially for enrolled customers.
Vehicle efficiency
Modern battery-electric vehicles typically consume 25 to 35 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles. Efficient sedans like the Tesla Model 3 Long Range achieve about 25 kWh/100 mi (roughly 135 MPGe). Large EV pickups may use 36 kWh/100 mi or more. A round baseline of 33.7 kWh/100 mi equals 100 MPGe for calculator defaults.
Example 1: Class 1 BEV, 12,000 mi/yr, State Average Rate
Scenario: 30 kWh/100 mi, 14.7¢/kWh, all home charging.
Annual kWh: (12,000 ÷ 100) × 30 = 3,600 kWh Energy cost: 3,600 × $0.147 = $529.20 Cost per mile: $0.044/mi Compare ICE at 30 mpg, $3.50/gal: 12,000 ÷ 30 × $3.50 = $1,400.00 ($0.117/mi) Annual fuel savings (before $130 EV fee): ~$871
Example 2: MDU Off-Peak Charging, Same Vehicle
Annual kWh: 3,600 kWh Off-peak rate (~8.8¢ incl. fuel adj.): $316.80 Cost per mile: $0.026/mi vs. on-peak MDU summer (~12.8¢): 3,600 × $0.128 = $460.80 Off-peak savings vs. on-peak: ~$144/yr
References:
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — Montana electricity profile (May 2026)
- Montana Public Service Commission — utility rate reports
- NorthWestern Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities — tariff schedules
Federal Credits and Montana Programs
Federal incentives (2026)
The federal Clean Vehicle Credit under IRC Section 30D provided up to $7,500 for new EVs and the Previously Owned Clean Vehicle Credit up to $4,000 for used EVs. Both generally expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. Purchases in 2026 typically receive no federal vehicle tax credit unless delivery occurred under a binding contract signed before the deadline.
The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (IRC Section 30C) remains available for qualified installations placed in service before June 30, 2026: 30 percent of costs up to $1,000 for residential chargers. Commercial installations can receive 30 percent up to $30,000 per port in eligible locations.
Montana state programs
Montana offers no state income tax credit, purchase rebate, or sales tax exemption for EV buyers as of 2026. Public charging infrastructure has received funding through federal Volkswagen settlement grants and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act programs, but these do not reduce individual vehicle purchase price.
Montana does not issue a dedicated EV specialty license plate with separate fees. Optional specialty plates follow standard donation-based pricing.
Example 1: 2026 EV Purchase (No Vehicle Credit)
New EV purchase price: $42,000.00 Federal Clean Vehicle Credit: $0.00 Montana state rebate: $0.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Net purchase: $42,000.00
Example 2: Home Charger with Federal §30C Credit
Level 2 charger + installation: $1,100.00 Federal §30C credit (30%): -$330.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Net out-of-pocket: $770.00
References:
- Internal Revenue Service — IRC §30D, §25E, §30C guidance
- Montana Department of Environmental Quality — VW settlement EV charging grants
- U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center — Montana laws and incentives
How the EV Fee Calculator Works
A Montana EV cost calculator combines weight-class surcharges, age-based registration, optional county tax, energy costs, and public charger tax into annual and multi-year ownership totals.
- Determine weight class. Enter unladen weight in pounds. Class 1 is up to 6,000 lb; Class 2 is 6,001 to 10,000 lb; Class 3 is 10,001 to 26,000 lb; Class 4 is above 26,000 lb.
- Select vehicle type. Battery-electric uses the BEV fee column; plug-in hybrid uses the PHEV column from Section 61-3-572.
- Enter vehicle age. Look up base registration: $217, $87, or $28. Add $825 if MSRP exceeds $150,000 and vehicle is ten years old or less.
- Add standard fees. Include parks fee ($9 unless waived), forest fee ($10), and optional donations.
- Apply county tax if applicable. Up to 0.7 percent of depreciated value if the county enacted the option.
- Calculate energy use. Annual kilowatt-hours equal miles divided by 100, times kWh per 100 miles.
- Apply electricity rate. Use statewide average, utility-specific rate, or MDU off-peak rate. Add 3 cents per kilowatt-hour for public charging portion only.
- Compare to ICE. Gasoline cost equals miles divided by MPG times price per gallon.
- Compute total cost of ownership. Sum net purchase, cumulative fees, cumulative energy, minus salvage value.
- Calculate payback. Divide price premium by annual net savings including registration difference.
Default inputs
| Input | Default | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Weight class | Class 1 | Classes 1–4 |
| Annual mileage | 12,000 mi | 0–50,000 |
| Efficiency | 33.7 kWh/100 mi | 20–45 |
| Electricity rate | $0.147/kWh | $0.08–$0.40 |
| Public charging share | 20% | 0–100% |
| Gas price | $3.50/gal | $2–$6 |
| ICE fuel economy | 30 mpg | 15–60 |
| Vehicle age | 0–4 years | Determines base fee |
Tip: A new Class 1 BEV pays $217 base plus $130 EV fee plus $19 in parks and forest fees, totaling about $366 before county tax. Budget the full stack, not just the $130 surcharge.
Complete Vehicle Scenarios
The following profiles use 2026 statutory rates. Federal vehicle credit is $0 for 2026 purchases unless noted.
| Profile | Class | Miles/yr | Efficiency | EV fee | Elec/yr | Total oper./yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Leaf (new) | 1 | 10,000 | 30 kWh/100 mi | $130 | $441 | ~$817 |
| Model Y commuter | 1 | 20,000 | 26 kWh/100 mi | $130 | $764 | ~$1,110 |
| F-150 Lightning | 2 | 30,000 | 38 kWh/100 mi | $190 | $1,672 | ~$2,088 |
| Gas F-150 (30 mpg) | 1–2 | 30,000 | 30 mpg | $0 | $3,500 | ~$3,536 |
Operating cost includes EV fee, base registration (~$217 for new), parks/forest fees (~$19), and energy at 14.7¢/kWh. ICE row shows fuel only plus approximate base fees.
Complete Five-Year Picture: Class 1 BEV vs. Gas Sedan
Scenario: $38,000 EV vs. $28,000 ICE, 12,000 mi/yr, 30 kWh/100 mi, 14.7¢/kWh, 50% salvage at 5 years, vehicle age 0–4.
BEV ANNUAL OPERATING Base + EV fee + parks/forest: ~$376.00 Energy (~$529): $529.00 Total operating: ~$905.00 ICE ANNUAL OPERATING Base + parks/forest: ~$246.00 Fuel (30 mpg, $3.50): $1,400.00 Total operating: ~$1,646.00 Annual operating advantage (EV): ~$741.00 5-YR TCO (undiscounted, 50% salvage) BEV: ($38k – $19k) + 5×$905 = ~$23,525 ICE: ($28k – $14k) + 5×$1,646 = ~$22,230 EV nearly at parity despite $10k MSRP gap due to fuel savings offsetting $130/yr fee
Permanent Registration: Class 1 BEV at Year 11
Scenario: Owner elects permanent registration on an eleven-year-old Class 1 BEV.
Permanent base fee: $87.50 One-time Class 1 EV fee (§61-3-573): $260.00 County MV tax × 5 (if 0.7% on $8k value): $280.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── One-time permanent total: ~$627.50 (no further annual renewals)
Montana 2026 quick reference
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 BEV annual surcharge | $130/yr | Since July 1, 2023 |
| Class 1 PHEV annual surcharge | $70/yr | Statutory |
| Class 1 BEV permanent fee | $260 | One-time at permanent reg. |
| Base registration (0–4 yr) | $217/yr | Light vehicles |
| Public charger tax | 3¢/kWh | Since July 1, 2025 |
| State avg. electricity | ~14.7¢/kWh | EIA May 2026 |
| 30% fee reduction | July 1, 2028 | Montana residents |
| State EV rebate | None | As of 2026 |
Policy Timeline
- July 1, 2023: MCA §61-3-572 and §61-3-573 EV/PHEV registration fees take effect
- July 1, 2025: Public EV charger electricity tax (3¢/kWh) under §15-70-802 begins
- September 2025: Federal new EV purchase credit generally ends for most acquisitions
- 2026: Fees unchanged; no state purchase rebate enacted
- July 1, 2028: Statutory 30 percent reduction in EV registration fees for Montana residents
- June 2026: Federal home charger credit (IRC §30C) expiration for new installs
Common Questions
How much is the Montana EV fee in 2026?
Class 1 battery-electric vehicles pay $130 per year in addition to standard registration. Class 1 plug-in hybrids pay $70. Heavier vehicles pay more: Class 2 BEVs pay $190, Class 3 pay $340, and Class 4 pay $1,100 annually.
When did Montana start charging EV fees?
Fees under Sections 61-3-572 and 61-3-573 took effect July 1, 2023.
Do plug-in hybrids pay less than battery-electric vehicles?
Yes. PHEVs pay roughly half the BEV surcharge in each weight class. Class 1 PHEVs pay $70 versus $130 for BEVs.
What is the public charger tax?
Beginning July 1, 2025, electricity delivered at public EV charging stations is taxed at 3 cents per kilowatt-hour under Section 15-70-802. Home charging is not taxed.
Does Montana offer a state EV rebate?
No state purchase tax credit or rebate exists as of 2026. Federal charger credits and VW settlement-funded public infrastructure may apply separately.
Will EV fees decrease?
Statute provides a 30 percent reduction for Montana residents beginning July 1, 2028. Class 1 BEV annual fee would drop from $130 to $91 unless the legislature changes the law.
Are fuel-cell vehicles charged the EV fee?
Current statute defines fees for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Fuel-cell vehicles generally pay standard registration without the Section 61-3-572 surcharge unless classified otherwise.
Edge Cases and Assumptions
High-value vehicles: MSRP above $150,000 on vehicles ten years old or less triggers an additional $825 annual registration surcharge.
County motor vehicle tax: Not all counties levy the optional tax. Check with your county treasurer; permanent registration requires five years paid upfront.
Heavy commercial EVs: Class 3 and Class 4 surcharges reach $340 to $1,100 per year plus gross-weight license fees under Section 61-10-201 for vehicles over one ton.
Logging trucks: Treated as heavy if over one ton; otherwise classified as light vehicles.
Out-of-state transfers: New Montana residents must register within statutory timeframes and pay all applicable EV fees.
Where the Numbers Come From
EV fee amounts come from MCA Sections 61-3-572 and 61-3-573. Base registration follows Section 61-3-321 and Montana MVD publications. Charger tax follows Section 15-70-802. Electricity data uses EIA state averages and Montana Public Service Commission utility reports. Federal credit rules follow IRS guidance. Review statutes after each legislative session and utility rate cases annually.
References:
- MCA §§61-3-572, 61-3-573, 61-3-321
- MCA §15-70-802
- Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Key Takeaways for Montana EV Owners
Montana Class 1 battery-electric owners pay a $130 annual surcharge plus age-based registration of up to $217 for newer vehicles, parks and forest fees of about $19, and optional county tax. Plug-in hybrids pay $70 in Class 1. One-time permanent registration adds $260 for Class 1 BEVs when elected after year eleven.
Public charging carries a 3¢ per kilowatt-hour tax since July 2025; home charging does not. Electricity at roughly 14.7 cents per kilowatt-hour keeps operating costs below gasoline for most drivers. Fees drop 30 percent for Montana residents on July 1, 2028. Montana offers no state purchase rebate; federal vehicle credits generally do not apply to 2026 acquisitions.
Identify your weight class, vehicle age, county tax status, and utility territory before buying. Confirm current fees with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division and your county treasurer before registering.
Disclaimer: This guide is for education and estimation only. Montana fees, utility tariffs, and incentive programs change with legislation and regulatory updates. Verify all amounts with the Montana MVD, your county, and your utility before completing a transaction.
Complete Reference List
Montana law and agencies
- MCA §61-3-572 — annual EV and PHEV registration fees by weight class
- MCA §61-3-573 — permanent registration fees for EVs and PHEVs
- MCA §61-3-571 — weight class definitions
- MCA §61-3-321 — age-based registration fees for light vehicles
- MCA §61-3-537 — county motor vehicle tax option
- MCA §61-10-201 — gross-weight license fees for heavy vehicles
- MCA §15-70-802 — tax on electricity for public EV charging stations
- Montana Motor Vehicle Division — registration fee schedules
- Montana Public Service Commission — utility rate reports
- Montana Legislature — leg.mt.gov
Utilities, federal, and market data
- NorthWestern Energy — residential rate schedules
- Montana-Dakota Utilities — Rate 16 time-of-day tariff
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — Montana electricity profile
- Internal Revenue Service — IRC §30D, §25E, §30C
- U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center — Montana laws and incentives
- Montana Department of Environmental Quality — VW settlement EV charging grants
Article prepared for the EV Fee Calculator project’s Montana educational content. Figures reflect 2026 statutory rates under Title 61 and Title 15, Montana MVD schedules, EIA and utility tariff data, and illustrative ownership calculations unless otherwise noted.