There is an assumption in the transportation industry that switching to electric vehicles will automatically reduce road-related costs. While there are ways to lower fuel costs, save on taxes, and potentially leverage toll discounts with electric vehicles, there are a variety of other cost factors that also need to be factored in.
EV fleet toll management is becoming more complicated, especially since HOV exemptions have expired in several states, and there are new electric vehicle road use charge costs that are being rolled out (targeting EVs). We’re also seeing that toll discount programs are quietly being phased out across the country.
If you are a fleet manager and you haven’t revisited your road cost assumptions in a while, then it’s time to take a look at how your electric fleet budget might not be an accurate reflection of reality. In this article, we are breaking down a few essential things that you need to keep in mind.
Electric Vehicle Fleet Tolls: What’s Changed (and What Hasn’t)
There have been some notable changes in the industry, but some things have also stayed the same when it comes to EV fleet toll management.
HOV Lane Access: Changes on a State-by-State Basis
Previously, there was a federal HOV exemption: single-occupancy EVs could use carpool lanes for free. Now that this federal HOV exemption has expired, states are setting their own policies. In some states, such as Colorado and Utah, they have continued to provide EV HOV access. But other states have eliminated the lane access benefits or restricted them only to newer model EVs.
HOV access rules are different for commercial fleet vehicles compared to the rules for personal vehicles. For example, even if a passenger EV qualifies for HOV lane access, a van or truck-class EV might not qualify.
As a fleet manager with multi-state operations, you need to be proactive about mapping the current HOV policies on a state-by-state basis. Since the rules change based on location, you can’t make a general assumption about EV perks throughout the country.
Road Use Charges: The Fee That’s Replacing the Gas Tax
Another change that some states are implementing is electric vehicle road use charges (RUC). Since EVs don’t pay fuel taxes (which traditionally has been the way funding is brought in for road maintenance), RUC is a way for the transportation departments to pay for the roads.
Some states already have active RUC programs, including Oregon, Utah, Virginia, and more. There are others that are currently in pilot phases or legislation and will be live in the next year or two.
There are two ways that road use is charged:
- Flat Annual Fee: One fee is paid every year, which is a simpler way to track the costs.
- Per-Mile Charge: This method is more variable since it requires mileage reporting. Fleets must report odometer data or install mileage-tracking devices, which can be an administrative burden.
California: The Market Every West Coast Fleet Manager Must Watch
In the state of California, the FasTrack Clean Air Vehicle discount has been changed. So, if you enrolled years ago, then you need to verify whether your fleet vehicles still qualify under the current eligibility rules. Also, HOV lane access for EVs in California now has both income and vehicle-age restrictions, which might exclude some of the newer vehicles in your fleet.
If you are a fleet manager in California, make it a priority to audit your FasTrack accounts and confirm sticker eligibility for each of the vehicles in your fleet. You might have vehicles that no longer qualify for the discounted toll rates.
EV Fleet Transponder Setup and Configuration for Mixed Fleets
One critical component of EV fleet cost management is to use the right equipment and setup. Most of the toll management platforms were built around ICE vehicle assumptions, which means that they don’t have automatic features that indicate which accounts are for electric vehicles.
So, if you have a mixed EV and gas fleet, then you are likely dealing with configuration problems. For example, you might be missing out on EV-specific discounts, RUC exemptions, and HOV designations if the vehicles are incorrectly categorized in the system.
Technically, the transponder setup isn’t really different from other vehicles. But there are account-level tagging and vehicle classification settings that need to match the vehicle type in order to ensure that your billing is accurate.
Building a Real EV Fleet Cost Management Budget for Tolls and Road-Use Fees
In order to get a real analysis of your EV fleet road costs, you need to have a system in place that leverages available discount programs and factors in the expenses for different types of vehicles. In states where the toll discounts have been preserved, the EVs can still save on road costs. But these discounts aren’t as accessible as before.
One of the most complicated things that can affect your budget is having a hybrid approach that treats EVs like they are carrying full ICE road costs for some line items, but full EV exemptions in other line items. It’s necessary to verify which costs and exemptions actually apply to your vehicles and routes.
FAQs
Do electric vehicles pay tolls?
Yes, electric vehicle fleet tolls apply in most routes, but there are some discounts in certain states and tolling facilities.
Are EV HOV lane exemptions still valid in 2026?
Since the federal HOV exemptions have expired, the EV toll exemptions now vary on a state-by-state basis.
How do I set up toll management for a mixed EV and gas fleet?
Make sure that you are using a toll management platform that allows you to classify each vehicle type to leverage EV-specific rates and road use charges when applicable.
EV Fleet Toll Management Solutions You Can Trust
If you are looking for EV fleet toll management tools, then our team at Innovative Toll Solutions is here to assist. We offer customizable systems that can be used for all types of vehicles, helping you keep up with the changing policies and exemptions in the industry. Contact us today to discuss your needs and find the best solutions for your fleet toll management.