Letter to the editor: Calculating electric car fees

I believe letter-writer Kenneth Nath (“Electric car owners’ fair share,” Dec. 13, TribLIVE) has his math wrong.

The state needs tax money to pay for road upkeep and maintenance.

The gas tax of $0.587 a gallon is based on an average gasoline car. The average miles per gallon is between 17.5 and 24.2 depending on the wheel base. His error is using 121 miles per gallon. That is not the average mileage of a gasoline-driven car (according to data from www.bts.gov/content/average-fuel-efficiency-us-light-duty-vehicles).

Data starting in 2007 is calculated using a new methodology developed by the Federal Highway Administration. Data for these years are based on new categories and are not comparable to previous years.

Using 20 miles per gallon for 9,720 miles: 9,720 ÷ 20 = 486 gallons; on 486 gallons at $0.587 per gallon, 486 x 0.587 = $285.28.

Mr. Nath, you owe the state $258.28, not $47.15. The state is proposing you only pay $175. Such a bargain.

Doug Waldron

Mt. Lebanon