This bill proposes a new tiered registration fee schedule for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) based on their weight, replacing the current flat fee structure. The existing law, RSA 261:141-c, is repealed and reenacted to establish specific fees: battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will be charged $0 for those weighing 1,000 lbs or less, $50 for those between 1,001-3,000 lbs, $100 for those between 3,001-8,000 lbs, and $150 for those over 8,000 lbs. PHEVs will incur a flat fee of $50 regardless of weight. The fees collected will be deposited into the highway fund, and the division of motor vehicles will determine vehicle classification and weight based on manufacturer specifications.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and it is anticipated to have an indeterminate impact on state revenue and local municipalities due to the lack of available vehicle weight data. The Department of Safety estimates a one-time implementation cost of $45,000 in FY 2027 to adjust their systems for the new fee structure. The bill aims to create a more equitable registration fee system that reflects the weight of the vehicles, potentially influencing future revenue from vehicle registrations.