Vermont EV Fee Calculator

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Default $89 annual / $163 biennial (auto-updates with period)

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Optional; varies by town (~1–2% of value)

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Default 12,000 (VT rural drivers often higher)

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Vermont charges battery-electric vehicle owners a two-part registration cost: the standard passenger base fee of $89 per year plus an equal EV Infrastructure fee of $89 per year, for $178 total annually or $326 every two years on biennial registration. Plug-in hybrids pay the $89 base plus half the infrastructure surcharge at $44.50, totaling $133.50 per year. These amounts took effect January 1, 2025 under Act 148. Revenue funds electric vehicle charging infrastructure and road use through the state Transportation Fund. Starting January 1, 2027, battery-electric vehicles will transition from the flat infrastructure fee to a mileage-based user fee of approximately 1.4 cents per mile; plug-in hybrids remain on the flat fee. Vermont electricity rates rank among the highest in the nation at about 25 cents per kilowatt-hour residential. Green Mountain Power, Burlington Electric Department, and Vermont Electric Co-op offer tiered and time-of-use rates that reward overnight charging. The Drive Electric Vermont program provides purchase rebates up to $5,000 for new EVs when funded, and utilities offer additional incentives from $700 to $5,700. Federal new-vehicle purchase credits of up to $7,500 generally expired for acquisitions after September 30, 2025. This guide explains every statutory fee, utility rate, rebate, 2027 mileage transition, and calculation step so you can estimate the true cost of registering and owning an electric vehicle in Vermont.

Why Vermont EV Registration Costs Matter

Vermont designed its EV fee structure to mirror gasoline tax contributions. The combined state and local gasoline tax totals about 30.9 cents per gallon. A driver at 25 mpg traveling 12,000 miles per year pays roughly $149 in fuel excise annually. A battery-electric owner pays $89 in infrastructure fee plus $89 base registration, but avoids roughly $149 in gasoline tax on fuel. The net road-tax comparison favors EVs slightly on fees alone, while electricity replaces gasoline spending separately.

High electricity prices shape operating economics. At 12,000 miles per year and 3.5 miles per kilowatt-hour with 90 percent charging efficiency, a Vermont EV draws about 3,810 grid kilowatt-hours. At 22 cents per kilowatt-hour, annual electricity costs roughly $838. A gasoline car at 25 mpg and $3.50 per gallon spends about $1,680 in fuel. Energy savings near $842 per year exceed the $178 registration total for most drivers.

The January 2027 mileage fee will change the calculation for high-mileage BEV owners. At 1.4 cents per mile and 12,000 miles, the mileage fee equals $168, nearly double the current $89 infrastructure surcharge but still below Rhode Island’s $200 flat fee.

Important: BEV total registration is $178/year ($89 base + $89 EV Infrastructure fee). Effective January 1, 2027, the flat BEV infrastructure fee converts to a mileage-based fee of ~1.4¢/mi. PHEVs keep the $44.50 half-fee structure.

EV Infrastructure Fees and Base Registration (23 V.S.A. §361)

Title 23, Section 361 governs passenger vehicle registration. Act 41 raised the base pleasure-car fee to $89 per year effective June 1, 2023. Act 148 added EV Infrastructure surcharges effective January 1, 2025.

Fee componentBEV (annual)PHEV (annual)ICE (annual)
Base passenger registration$89.00$89.00$89.00
EV Infrastructure surcharge$89.00$44.50$0.00
Total annual registration$178.00$133.50$89.00
Total biennial registration$326.00$252.00$163.00

The EV Infrastructure fee equals the base fee for battery-electric vehicles and half the base fee for plug-in hybrids. Conventional hybrids without plug-in capability pay only the $89 base fee with no infrastructure surcharge. All EV fees deposit into the Transportation Fund for charging infrastructure under Agency of Transportation rules.

Example 1: Battery-Electric Sedan (Annual Registration)

Scenario: 2025 Tesla Model 3 registered in Montpelier, annual renewal cycle.

Base passenger registration: $89.00 EV Infrastructure fee (BEV): $89.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Total annual registration: $178.00 Biennial equivalent: $326.00

Example 2: Prius Prime PHEV vs. Gasoline Camry

PHEV total annual registration: $133.50 Gasoline ICE annual registration: $89.00 Difference (PHEV premium): $44.50 BEV vs. ICE annual difference: $89.00

The PHEV pays half the BEV infrastructure surcharge because it still contributes gasoline tax on engine miles.

References:

  • 23 V.S.A. §361(a)–(c) — registration and EV Infrastructure fees
  • Act 41 (2023) — base registration fee increase to $89
  • Act 148 (2024) — EV Infrastructure fees effective January 1, 2025
  • Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles — registration fee guidance

2027 Mileage-Based Fee Transition

Act 148 and subsequent transportation legislation establish a mileage-based user fee for battery-electric vehicles beginning January 1, 2027. The planned rate is approximately 1.4 cents per mile, designed to yield revenue comparable to the gasoline tax that BEVs avoid at the pump.

PeriodBEV road chargePHEV road charge
2025–2026$89/yr flat infrastructure fee$44.50/yr flat fee
From Jan. 1, 2027~1.4¢/mi (replaces $89 flat for BEV)$44.50/yr flat (unchanged)

Example 1: 12,000 mi/yr Under 2027 MBUF

Mileage fee: 12,000 × $0.014 = $168.00 Base registration (unchanged): $89.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Total BEV annual (est. 2027): $257.00 vs. 2026 flat structure: $178.00 Increase at 12,000 mi: $79.00

Example 2: Low-Mileage Driver at 6,000 mi/yr (2027)

Mileage fee: 6,000 × $0.014 = $84.00 Base registration: $89.00 Total: $173.00 vs. current $178 flat → slightly lower for drivers under ~6,400 mi/yr

Break-even mileage where 1.4¢/mi equals $89 is about 6,357 miles per year. Below that, the mileage fee costs less than today’s flat infrastructure charge.

References:

  • Act 148 (2024) and H.488 / Act 207 (2025) — mileage-based user fee authorization
  • Vermont Agency of Transportation — MBUF implementation plan

Vermont Electricity Rates (2026)

Vermont residential electricity averaged 24.89 cents per kilowatt-hour in May 2026 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Commercial rates averaged 21.47 cents. Rates vary significantly by utility territory and time-of-use enrollment.

Utility / sectorEnergy rateNotes
VT average (EIA residential)24.89¢/kWhMay 2026
Green Mountain Power (Rate 1 flat)21.457¢/kWh~$0.626/day customer charge
GMP TOU (Rate 11 peak/off-peak)34.07 / 14.52¢8 a.m.–9 p.m. weekdays peak
GMP EV TOU (Rate 74)21.46 / 16.33¢Peak / off-peak
Burlington Electric (first 100 kWh)14.02¢/kWh19.17¢ above 100 kWh
BED EV overnight credit8.79¢/kWh credit10 p.m.–noon charging
Vermont Electric Co-op (tier 1)11.64¢/kWh23.48¢ above 100 kWh

Time-of-use and EV-specific rates reward overnight charging. A GMP customer shifting charging to off-peak at 14.5 cents saves substantially versus the 34-cent peak rate. Burlington Electric’s municipal tiered blocks benefit low-usage households on the first 100 kilowatt-hours.

Example 1: Typical BEV, GMP Flat Rate, 12,000 mi/yr

Scenario: 3.5 mi/kWh, 90% charging efficiency, 21.457¢/kWh energy.

Battery kWh needed: 12,000 ÷ 3.5 = 3,429 kWh Grid kWh (÷ 0.90): 3,810 kWh Energy cost: 3,810 × $0.21457 = $817.50 Registration (BEV): $178.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Annual operating (energy + reg): ~$995.50 Cost per mile (energy only): ~6.8¢/mi

Example 2: Same Driver, GMP Off-Peak TOU at 14.5¢

Grid kWh: 3,810 kWh Off-peak cost: 3,810 × $0.14522 = $553.29 Annual savings vs. flat rate: ~$264.21

References:

  • U.S. Energy Information Administration — Vermont electricity profile (May 2026)
  • Green Mountain Power — Rate Schedules 1, 11, 74, and 72
  • Burlington Electric Department — FY 2026 residential tariff
  • Vermont Electric Co-op — 2026 rate schedule

Sales Tax and Municipal Property Tax

Vermont applies a 6 percent sales and use tax on motor vehicle purchases. Out-of-state purchases registered in Vermont pay use tax at the same rate. EVs receive no broad sales tax exemption.

Each Vermont town assesses a municipal property tax on vehicles as part of the annual property tax bill. Assessed value is typically a percentage of purchase price declining over time, multiplied by the local tax rate. Effective annual cost often runs 1 to 2 percent of vehicle value. A $30,000 vehicle might incur $300 to $600 per year depending on town and assessment rules.

Example: $38,000 EV Purchase in Vermont

Purchase price: $38,000.00 Sales tax (6%): $2,280.00 Municipal property tax (est. 1.5%): $570.00/yr BEV registration (year 1): $178.00

References:

  • 32 V.S.A. — Vermont sales and use tax
  • Vermont Department of Taxes — motor vehicle tax guidance
  • Vermont municipalities — vehicle property tax assessment

Drive Electric VT and Utility Rebates

State programs

  • Drive Electric Vermont: Up to $5,000 rebate for new EVs and up to $4,000 for qualifying used EVs, subject to income caps and vehicle price limits. Funding may pause when exhausted; check current program status.
  • No separate state income tax credit: Rebates flow through the Drive Electric VT point-of-sale or reimbursement process.

Utility incentives (representative)

UtilityEV purchase rebate (approx.)
Burlington Electric DepartmentUp to $5,700
Green Mountain PowerUp to $2,500
Vermont Electric Co-opUp to $1,000
VPPSA member communitiesUp to $1,650
Stowe Electric / Washington Electric$700–$1,000

Many utilities also offer discounted Level 2 chargers and off-peak rate programs. Efficiency Vermont lists partner offers by utility territory.

Federal incentives (2026)

The federal Clean Vehicle Credit generally expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit under IRC Section 30C remains available for qualified home charger installations placed in service before June 30, 2026.

Example 1: New BEV with Drive Electric VT Rebate

Purchase price: $42,000.00 Drive Electric VT rebate: -$5,000.00 Sales tax on pre-rebate price (typical): $2,520.00 Federal vehicle credit (2026 buy): $0.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Net vehicle cost (before tax): $37,000.00

Example 2: Gas Tax Comparison at 12,000 mi/yr

VT combined gas tax (~30.9¢/gal): 12,000 ÷ 25 mpg × $0.309 = $148.32/yr BEV infrastructure fee: $89.00/yr Savings vs. gas tax alone: $59.32/yr (Fuel cost savings are separate and typically much larger than this fee comparison)

References:

  • Drive Electric Vermont — rebate program (Vermont Agency of Transportation / DOE partnership)
  • Efficiency Vermont — utility EV incentive listings
  • Internal Revenue Service — IRC §30D and §30C

How the EV Fee Calculator Works

  1. Select vehicle type. Battery-electric uses $89 infrastructure fee; plug-in hybrid uses $44.50. Choose annual or biennial registration.
  2. Choose fee mode. For years 2025–2026 use flat fee. For 2027 and beyond on BEVs, option to use mileage fee at ~1.4 cents per mile.
  3. Enter annual mileage. Default 12,000 miles; Vermont per-capita estimates range from 8,000 to 11,356 historically.
  4. Enter efficiency. Default 3.5 mi/kWh (DOE fleet average near 3.6 mi/kWh).
  5. Apply charging efficiency. Default 90 percent; multiply grid draw by about 1.11.
  6. Set electricity rate. Default 22 cents or utility-specific (GMP 21.5¢, BED tiered, VEC tiered).
  7. Calculate energy cost. Grid kilowatt-hours times rate equals annual electricity spend.
  8. Sum registration. Base $89 plus infrastructure surcharge plus any 2027 mileage fee on BEVs.
  9. Compare to ICE. Gasoline tax at 30.9 cents per gallon divided by MPG times miles; add fuel cost at user gas price.
  10. Apply rebates. Subtract Drive Electric VT and utility incentives from purchase for payback analysis.

Default inputs

InputDefaultRange
Annual mileage12,000 mi5,000–20,000
EV efficiency3.5 mi/kWh2.5–4.0
Electricity rate$0.22/kWh$0.10–$0.40
Charging efficiency90%85–95%
Gas tax (VT combined)$0.309/galStatutory
ICE fuel economy25 mpg15–40
Gas price$3.50/gal$2–$6

Vermont vs. Neighboring States

StateEV fee (approx.)Notes
Vermont (BEV)$89 infra + $89 base~1.4¢/mi from 2027
New Hampshire$100/yr$50 hybrid
Massachusetts$0 surchargeStandard registration only
New York$0 surchargeNo flat EV fee
Rhode Island$200/yrSince Jan. 2026
Maine$0 surchargeStandard registration

Vermont’s $89 infrastructure fee sits mid-range regionally but doubles the visible surcharge when combined with base registration for a $178 BEV total. The 2027 mileage model aligns with Oregon and Virginia approaches.

Complete Vehicle Scenarios

Complete Annual Picture: Typical BEV (2026 Flat Fee)

Scenario: 12,000 mi/yr, 3.5 mi/kWh, $0.22/kWh, 90% efficiency, 25 mpg ICE at $3.50/gal.

EV ENERGY Grid kWh: 12,000 ÷ 3.5 ÷ 0.9 = 3,810 kWh Cost: 3,810 × $0.22 = $838.20 EV REGISTRATION Base + infrastructure: $178.00 EV TOTAL OPERATING: $1,016.20 ICE COMPARISON Fuel: 12,000 ÷ 25 × $3.50 = $1,680.00 Registration: $89.00 Gas tax embedded in pump price (separate from registration): ~$148 equivalent Energy + reg savings (EV vs ICE fuel+reg): ~$753/yr

High-Mileage BEV and 2027 MBUF Preview

Scenario: 20,000 mi/yr, 3.0 mi/kWh, $0.25/kWh, comparing 2026 vs. 2027 fees.

Energy: 20,000 ÷ 3.0 ÷ 0.9 × $0.25 = $1,852.00 2026 registration: $178.00 2026 total operating: $2,030.00 2027 registration (est.): Base $89 + mileage 20,000 × $0.014 = $280 $369.00 2027 total operating: $2,221.00 ICE at 30 mpg, $3.50/gal: Fuel $2,333 + reg $89 = $2,422.00 EV still saves ~$201/yr vs ICE at high mileage even under 2027 mileage fee structure

PHEV scenario summary

Ten thousand miles per year with 40 percent electric (4,000 mi on battery at 4.0 mi/kWh and 20 cents per kilowatt-hour): electric cost about $222 plus $44.50 infrastructure fee and $89 base, totaling roughly $356 for the electric portion plus gasoline costs on the remaining 6,000 miles. Compared with full ICE operation, partial electrification saves fuel proportional to electric miles driven.

Vermont 2026 quick reference

ItemAmountNotes
Base passenger registration$89/yrSince June 1, 2023
BEV Infrastructure fee$89/yrSince Jan. 1, 2025
BEV total registration$178/yr$326 biennial
PHEV Infrastructure fee$44.50/yrHalf of base
PHEV total registration$133.50/yr$252 biennial
2027 BEV mileage fee (planned)~1.4¢/miReplaces flat infra fee
EIA residential rate~24.9¢/kWhMay 2026
VT sales tax6%No EV exemption
Drive Electric VT (new)Up to $5,000When funded

Policy Timeline

  • June 1, 2023: Act 41 raises base registration to $89 per year ($163 biennial)
  • January 1, 2025: Act 148 imposes EV Infrastructure fees ($89 BEV, $44.50 PHEV)
  • 2025: H.488 / Act 207 authorizes mileage-based user fee for BEVs
  • January 1, 2027: Planned BEV transition to ~1.4¢/mi mileage fee
  • September 2025: Federal new EV purchase credit generally ends for most acquisitions

Common Questions

How much does Vermont EV registration cost in 2026?

A battery-electric vehicle pays $89 base registration plus $89 EV Infrastructure fee, totaling $178 per year or $326 every two years. Plug-in hybrids pay $133.50 per year.

When did Vermont start charging EV fees?

The EV Infrastructure surcharge took effect January 1, 2025 under Act 148. The base fee increased to $89 in June 2023 under Act 41.

What happens in 2027?

Battery-electric vehicles will switch from the flat $89 infrastructure fee to a mileage-based charge of approximately 1.4 cents per mile. Plug-in hybrids keep the $44.50 flat fee.

Do plug-in hybrids pay the full BEV fee?

No. PHEVs pay half the infrastructure surcharge ($44.50) because they still pay gasoline tax on engine-operated miles.

Is there a Vermont EV purchase rebate?

Yes. Drive Electric Vermont offers up to $5,000 for qualifying new EVs when program funding is available. Utilities add separate rebates.

Why is electricity expensive in Vermont?

Small market size, winter demand, and renewable portfolio costs contribute to rates near 25 cents per kilowatt-hour statewide. Time-of-use and municipal utilities can offer lower effective rates.

Does Vermont have an EV sales tax exemption?

No. The standard 6 percent sales and use tax applies to EV purchases.

Edge Cases and Assumptions

Biennial registration: Both base and infrastructure fees double on the two-year cycle ($326 BEV total).

Conventional hybrids: Non-plug-in hybrids pay $89 base only with no infrastructure surcharge.

Cold weather: Winter range loss of 20 to 30 percent increases kilowatt-hours per mile.

Municipal property tax: Varies by town; include in total ownership if modeling full TCO.

Low mileage under 2027 MBUF: Drivers below roughly 6,400 miles may pay less infrastructure charge than the current $89 flat fee.

Where the Numbers Come From

Fee amounts come from 23 V.S.A. Section 361, Act 41, Act 148, and Vermont DMV publications. Mileage fee plans follow Agency of Transportation MBUF documentation. Electricity data uses EIA state averages and utility tariff filings. Rebate amounts follow Drive Electric Vermont and Efficiency Vermont. Federal credit rules follow IRS guidance.

References:

  • 23 V.S.A. §361
  • Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Green Mountain Power tariff schedules

Key Takeaways for Vermont EV Owners

Vermont battery-electric owners pay $178 per year in registration ($89 base plus $89 EV Infrastructure fee) through 2026, or $326 biennially. Plug-in hybrids pay $133.50 per year. Starting January 1, 2027, BEVs move to a mileage-based fee near 1.4 cents per mile instead of the flat infrastructure charge.

Electricity at roughly 25 cents per kilowatt-hour is costly, but time-of-use off-peak rates from GMP and BED reduce charging expense. Drive Electric Vermont rebates up to $5,000 and utility incentives improve purchase economics. Energy savings versus gasoline typically exceed registration fees for average mileage.

Model your utility territory, annual miles, and 2027 mileage-fee horizon before buying. Confirm current fees with the Vermont DMV and rates with your electric utility.

Disclaimer: This guide is for education and estimation only. Vermont fees, utility tariffs, and rebate programs change with legislation and regulatory updates. MBUF implementation details may change before January 2027. Verify all amounts with the Vermont DMV, Department of Taxes, and your utility before completing a transaction.

Complete Reference List

Vermont law and agencies

  • 23 V.S.A. §361 — motor vehicle registration and EV Infrastructure fees
  • 32 V.S.A. — Vermont sales and use tax
  • Act 41 (2023) — base registration fee increase
  • Act 148 (2024) — EV Infrastructure fees
  • Act 207 / H.488 (2025) — mileage-based user fee
  • Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles — registration publications
  • Vermont Agency of Transportation — Transportation Fund and MBUF
  • Drive Electric Vermont — rebate program
  • Vermont Department of Taxes

Utilities, federal, and market data

  • Green Mountain Power — Rate Schedules 1, 11, 72, and 74
  • Burlington Electric Department — residential and EV rates
  • Vermont Electric Co-op — 2026 tariff
  • Efficiency Vermont — utility EV incentive listings
  • U.S. Energy Information Administration — Vermont electricity profile
  • U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center — efficiency and incentive data
  • Internal Revenue Service — IRC §30D and §30C
  • National Conference of State Legislatures / Tax Foundation — regional EV fee comparisons

Article prepared for the EV Fee Calculator project’s Vermont educational content. Figures reflect 2026 statutory rates under 23 V.S.A. §361, Vermont DMV guidance, utility tariff data, and illustrative ownership calculations unless otherwise noted.

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