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A jolt to your wallet

Explained: Why registration fees are increasing for electric and hybrid vehicles

There are 190 charging stations in Winston-Salem, according to PlugShare. | Piedmont Environmental Alliance via Instagram

While the future of transportation may be electric, the prices are getting an electrical charge.

North Carolina’s electric vehicle ownership has increased by 230% since 2018. According to the latest vehicle registration data available, over 46,000 zero-emission vehicles were registered in the state in May 2023. Data shows 2,045 full-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles were registered in Forsyth County as of November 2023, a 65% increase from the previous year.

Currently a new vehicle registration fee for plug-in hybrid vehicles is $90, but the fee is expected to increase by 19.1% — to $107 — in July 2024. The fee for new electric vehicle registrations is expected to increase to $214.

Why are prices increasing?

According to NCGo! advocates during a transportation meeting in November, the surplus of EVs created a financial gap for NCDOT. While EVs have plenty of benefits, the increase in registration fees will help fill the gap needed for infrastructure investments, such as providing funds to patch potholes on roads— similar to gas taxes for gas-fueled vehicles.

Currently, owners of electric and hybrid vehicles in NC pay less in combined gas taxes and registration fees compared to owners of gasoline-powered vehicles, but this may soon change in the coming years.

In fiscal year 2024-2025, the number of EV registrations statewide is projected to increase by 11% annually based on recent growth trends (page 11 of the legislative note). Registrations are expected to increase 32% annually, based on a Goldman Sachs estimate for projected growth of electric vehicles purchased.

Moving forward

To participate in conversations on how these price increases will affect drivers across the state, the NC Department of Transportation will hold a summit May 21 and May 22 at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. The general public can register to attend and share their thoughts on these new changes.

Asked

How likely are you to consider purchasing an electric vehicle or hybrid plug-in based on these fee increases?

A. I would still consider purchasing an EV
B. This changes my interest in buying an EV
C. I was not and still am not interested in buying an EV
D. I already own an EV

Shedding some volts

Events

Friday, Feb. 9

Marguerite’s Coffee House presents The Versatiles | Friday, Feb. 9 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston-Salem, 4055 Robinhood Rd., Winston-Salem | Free | The band will perform a variety of smooth jazz, R+B, beach music, and rock — and maybe even some dancing.
Ladies’ Night Out | Friday, Feb. 9 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Fiddle & Fig, 403 W. End Blvd., Winston-Salem | Free entry | Join Fiddle and Fig + The Mulberry Table for an evening of good food and drinks, giveaways, and a surprise promotion.

Saturday, Feb. 10

Art Sale | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Art SHAC, 1622 S. Hawthorne Rd., Space 4, Winston-Salem | Free | Shop and/or bring your gently used art materials and supplies + check out the new Little Art Library.
“Othello” | Friday, Feb. 9-Sunday, Feb. 11 | 7 p.m. | Camel City Playhouse, 110 W. 7th St., Winston-Salem | $15 | Watch one of the last performances of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays.

Sunday, Feb. 11

Networking: Usher Halftime Show | Sunday, Feb. 11 | 5-11 p.m. | The CMPND, Community Room, 231 W. 4th St., Winston-Salem | Free | Watch the Super Bowl with other artists and connect during the halftime show.
Sunday School | Sunday, Feb. 11 | 4 p.m. | Easy Talk, 905 S. Broad St., Ste. 105, Winston-Salem | $30 | Meet other singles and learn how to craft a tasty cocktail.

Monday, Feb. 12

HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience | Monday, Feb. 12 | 6-8 p.m. | Winston-Salem State University, Donald Julian Reaves Student Activities Center, 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Winston-Salem | Free, RSVP | Author Ayesha Rascoe will discuss a collection of essays celebrating the experiences of students at historically Black College and Universities.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Civic

The balance on your water bill may be higher than expected. That’s because billing cycles have been adjusted to 70+ days due to a staffing shortage at the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities Department.

Open

Lasso Gaucho restaurant is open on South Main Street in downtown Winston-Salem. The Brazilian steakhouse features a lounge area, a wine cellar, and a main dining room.

Announced

Longtime Forsyth County Commissioner David Plyler will retire from his position on June 30 and will not seek reelection. Plyler was elected Commissioner in 1994 and served as chairman of the board for 10 years of his tenure.

Sports

The Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s and Women’s College Basketball Tournaments are returning to the Greensboro Coliseum (~30 minutes from Downtown Winston-Salem) over the next five years. The tournament will be split between Charlotte (hey, CLTtoday) and Greensboro. (WXII 12 News)

Featured

Winston-Salem State University’s Singing Rams will perform at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC this Sunday, Feb. 11. The choir’s 35 members will perform pieces written + composed by Black musicians. (Winston-Salem Journal)

Film

Watch how a fearless group of women and LGBTQ+ journalists tell their story in a male-dominated newsroom. A/perture will screen “Breaking the News” on Tuesday, February 13 at 7 p.m. + stay for a special Q and A from Filmmaker Chelsea Hernandez after the showing.

Seasonal

For $20, you can indulge in four cookies paired with craft beers at Wise Man Brewing. The event is happening daily Sunday, Feb. 11 through Wednesday, Feb. 14 during the brewery’s regular hours.

Plan Ahead

Immerse yourself in traditional Spanish dance during Flamenco night at Pink Moon Cafe on West 5th Street on Saturday, Feb. 24. Tap your feet to the fiery beats of the guitar from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. — tickets cost $10.

Feel Good

Do you have a local love story? Submit your memories to our local love map by today, Feb. 9 for a chance to be featured in the newsletter. Psst — putting your love on the map makes a nice surprise for your sweetheart.

Announced

We’re excited to share that 6AM City, our parent company, closed its Series A funding round led by the media company, TEGNA. This partnership means continuing to deliver the same hyper-local news and events while expanding our reach to new readers and communities. Learn more.

Community

💕 Spreading the love

“Happy Hearts” art sale to benefit Crisis Control Ministry

WStoday: "The Happy Heart Series" by Beth Murray to support Crisis Control Ministries

Spread cheer and happiness by supporting local art that will benefit our neighbors. | Beth Murray

Celebrate a sweet kind of love by giving back to your neighbors.

Through March 27, Twin City residents can shop art from “The Happy Hearts Series,” a collection by local artist Beth Murray.

Murray says her creations are meant as a whimsical outpouring of emotion combining her own joy with color, love of community, and passion for art.

You can choose from the display at Bagel Station (129 Oakwood Dr.) from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds from the art sale will support Crisis Control Ministry. The Bagel Station will also donate 10% of its proceeds from that day to the nonprofit.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kellina

From the editor

I still would love to hear your take on something that’s considered totally normal in Winston-Salem but nowhere else. You get bragging rights if we share your answers in an upcoming newsletter.

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