Electric vehicle owners could soon face annual federal fee under proposed bill

(CNN) - Owning an electric vehicle may soon cost more.

A surface transportation bill moving through Congress would require electric vehicle owners to pay an annual federal fee beginning at $130.

The fee could then increase by $5 each year, with a maximum of $150, according to the proposed legislation.

Owners of plug-in hybrids would have to pay $35.

Current funding for surface transportation is set to expire next month. The electric vehicle fees could take effect as soon as December if approved by Congress.

The government uses money it collects from gasoline taxes to help pay for road projects. Electric vehicles do not require gasoline, so those drivers do not pay that tax.

Supporters of the measure said it ensures electric vehicle drivers help pay for the roads they use.