Companies will be able to give workers who commute in electric vehicles a monthly $250 tax-free benefit if proposed new law is approved, according to Electrek.
Ohio Democrat U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown introduced the Electric Vehicle Credit Act. The bill would create a pre-tax transportation benefit similar to public transit passes, allowances, and parking fees employers can now give employees. Employers would not be required to offer the benefit, but for those who do, employees who drive cars with 4 kWh or larger battery packs or motorcycles or three-wheelers with 2.5 kWh or greater battery packs, would be eligible.
“As more Ohioans choose to drive electric to save on gas and reduce pollution, it’s important that employers have the opportunity to offer vehicle charging as a workplace benefit,” Brown said. “Many workers are already able to exclude bus passes and parking fees from their taxable income and offering workers using new transportation options this same benefit help Ohio employers recruit and retain talent.”
As you can imagine, the Electric Drive Transport Association (EDTA) is all in on the Electric Vehicle Credit Act. “EDTA applauds Senator Brown’s leadership on electric drive and this effort to promote charging in workplaces,” EDTA president Genevieve Cullen said. “Electrifying the daily commute allows employees to save on gasoline and communities to benefit from reduced pollution. Expanding electric vehicle charging in the workplace is an important step in moving toward smarter, cleaner electric transportation in Ohio and across the country.”
With federal tax incentives and additional credits or discounts from states such as Colorado, the addition of a non-taxable employee benefit to encourage and support the use of electric vehicles could more than compensate for the current premium price of electric vehicles over gasoline-powered models.
The Electric Vehicle Credit Act has been assigned to the Senate Finance Committee. Whether or not you think the Electric Vehicle Credit Act is a great idea, you can let Senator Brown know on his Twitter account.
