The Mississippi Senate has recently passed a bill that will prevent electric car companies from opening their own dealerships in the state. This bill, House Bill 401, is a protectionist effort that will keep Mississippi in its current position of last place in many rankings of all 50 states.
The bill was proposed by traditional car dealers, who want to stop new EV makers from setting up their own easier sales processes. This has been a long-standing battle between Tesla and other start-up EV manufacturers, who prefer to sell cars online or in their own facilities, and traditional dealerships.
The bill has been met with criticism from some senators, who worry that it will deprive citizens of opportunities they should not be deprived of. Republican Sen. Joey Fillingane acknowledged Mississippi’s position and the danger that this bill poses to keep the state there.
The bill also comes with an annual $150 tax on electric vehicles, far above the amount of taxation that a hypothetical similarly efficient gas vehicle would have to pay. This charge is approximately equivalent to the amount of gas taxes a similarly efficient gas vehicle would pay if it drove 100,000 miles in a year. Meanwhile, gas vehicles benefit from tens of thousands of dollars of incentives over their lifetime, in terms of ignored health and environmental costs of pollution, which harm the health of Mississippians and everyone else in the world.
The passage of this bill is a reminder that Mississippi is still lagging behind other states when it comes to embracing new technologies and opportunities for its citizens. It is also a reminder that the state needs to take steps to ensure that its citizens are not deprived of the opportunities they deserve.
FAQ
Q1. When will electric cars be available in the UK?
A1. Electric cars are already available in the UK.
Q2. Where can I find electric car charging stations near me?
A2. You can use online resources such as Zap-Map to find electric car charging stations near you.
Q3. Which electric car is the best?
A3. The best electric car depends on your individual needs and preferences.
