Starting October 1st, 2025, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is collecting fuel tax and licensing fees from public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state, treating electricity as an alternative fuel under Wyoming statute. This shift addresses the rise in out-of-state EVs on Wyoming roads, where no prior mechanism existed for taxation. Wyoming EV owners already pay a $200 annual decal fee with registration, but this new program targets public Level 2 and Level 3 stations to ensure equity in funding road maintenance. With Wyoming’s I-80 and other corridors vital for commerce, the tax helps recoup costs for infrastructure amid growing EV adoption. For Teton County drivers, this means fairer contributions from visitors charging in Jackson Hole. Here’s a breakdown of the program, rates, and compliance.
Why the Change? From Decals to Direct Taxation
Historically, Wyoming’s EV market was small, relying on the $200 decal for in-state owners to cover lost gas tax revenue. As national EV ownership surges—up 40% in 2024—out-of-state vehicles now strain highways without contributing proportionally. “With more out-of-state EVs traveling Wyoming roads, WYDOT is starting that collection process to ensure fair taxation,” said Wayne Hassinger, Wyoming Fuel Tax Administration manager. The tax, per Wyoming Statutes §39-17-301, applies to electricity sold for EV charging, mirroring gasoline/diesel funding for WYDOT’s $1.2 billion annual budget. No retroactive payments for pre-October 1st usage, and home charging remains exempt.
Rates, Calculation, and Licensing
- Fuel Tax Rate: $0.24 per gallon, calculated using the Gasoline Gallon Equivalent (GGE) formula: 1 kWh ≈ 0.0338 gallons (or 33.7 kWh per gallon equivalent). For example, a 50 kWh charge equals about 1.69 gallons, taxed at ~$0.41.
- Licensing Fee: $25 annual per public station location.
- Reporting: Monthly submissions of electricity sold for EV use; Wyoming Fuel Tax Administration handles remittances.
- Free Charging: Owners must still report and pay tax, as it “fuels vehicles on the roads.”
This applies only to public-facing Level 2 (slower, 240V) and Level 3 (DC fast) stations; private or workplace chargers are exempt.
Compliance and Next Steps for Station Owners
Owners must apply for the Wyoming Fuel Tax EV Charging Station license immediately via WYDOT’s portal or by contacting the administration. Superintendents like Kimberly Peters emphasize: “It’s just like gasoline or diesel—fuel tax helps recoup WYDOT’s costs.” Non-compliance risks penalties under §39-17-309. For help, email wyoevtax@wyo.gov or visit wyomingfuel.tax for forms and calculators. Wyoming’s 100+ public stations, including those in Jackson Hole, must act now to avoid backlogs
.Impact on Wyoming and Teton County
With EV registrations up 25% statewide in 2025, the tax ensures equitable funding for roads like WY22 and I-80, where EVs now comprise 5% of traffic. In Teton County, where tourism drives EV use at hotels and parks, this supports sustainable infrastructure without burdening locals. It complements federal NEVI grants ($26.8 million for Wyoming) expanding chargers along I-80 and I-25. As EVs grow, this policy fosters fairness in road funding amid Wyoming’s push for clean energy
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