CA · 2026
EV registration surcharge in California
EVFeeMap provides informational state-by-state summaries of EV registration surcharges for California. Fees change frequently — verify with your state’s DOT or DMV before renewal. EVFeeMap is not affiliated with any state agency and this is not legal or tax advice.
Plug-in hybrid treatment
Plug-in hybrids are not charged in California — the surcharge applies only to full battery-electric (and, in some states, hydrogen) vehicles.
2026–2027 changes
No one-time change is scheduled, but California's fee is indexed and is adjusted automatically over time, so the amount can drift year to year.
Where to verify + pay
The Road Improvement Fee applies only to zero-emission vehicles (BEV and hydrogen), model year 2020 and newer. Base $100, adjusted annually to the California CPI; it first appears at renewal, not initial registration. PHEVs are not charged. The exact 2026 figure ($118) is from a secondary source; the statute and structure are cited to the state's own pages.
Open California DMV/DOT sourceStates with similar fees
All statesWhere this California figure comes from
The figure is cited to California’s DMV/DOT, Department of Revenue, or legislature source (statute reference: Cal. Veh. Code § 9250.6; Health & Safety Code § 44258), linked below so you can confirm it yourself. EV fees change frequently; always verify with the state before renewal.
See our full methodology and source list.
Not yet reviewed by a qualified person
We are recruiting a transportation/automotive journalist, state DOT contact, or EV-advocacy verifier to review this reference. Until then, every figure here is cited directly to a state DMV/DOT or legislature source you can check yourself.