CA · 2026
EV registration surcharge in California
- Battery-electric
- $118/yr
- Plug-in hybrid
- No fee
- Verified
- June 16, 2026
EVFeeMap provides informational state-by-state summaries of EV registration surcharges for California, current as of June 22, 2026. 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.
Annual battery-electric surcharge in California
$118/yr
billed annually at renewal.
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 primary-verified.
Open California DMV/DOT sourceStates with similar fees
All statesHow this California figure was verified
We read California’s DMV/DOT, Department of Revenue, or legislature source on June 16, 2026, recorded the statute reference (Cal. Veh. Code § 9250.6; Health & Safety Code § 44258), and linked it 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.
Editorial review in progress
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.