This bill proposes a new tiered registration fee structure for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) based on their type and weight, replacing the current flat fee system. Specifically, it repeals and reenacts RSA 261:141-c to establish the following annual fees: $25 for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) under 2,000 lbs, $100 for BEVs between 2,000 and 5,000 lbs, $150 for BEVs over 5,000 lbs, and a flat fee of $50 for PHEVs regardless of weight. Additionally, neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), electric mopeds, and low-speed scooters will not incur any registration fees. The bill also allows the division of motor vehicles to determine vehicle classification and weight based on manufacturer specifications and registration records, and mandates that the fees collected be deposited into the highway fund.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, but the Department of Safety has expressed concerns that this timeline may not provide sufficient time to implement the necessary changes. The estimated fiscal impact includes a one-time system change cost of $45,000 in FY 2027, with indeterminable revenue impacts for the state and local municipalities due to the lack of available vehicle weight data. The current registration fees for BEVs and PHEVs are $100 and $50, respectively, and the bill aims to adjust these fees to better reflect the weight of the vehicles, potentially affecting overall revenue from vehicle registrations.