SEATTLE (AP) — Owners of electric cars in Washington state don't pay gasoline or gas taxes, but they're soon going to be hit with a $100 fee to own the battery-operated cars.

A section of Washington state law that takes effect next year will require electric car owners to pay a $100 annual fee for road and highway improvements intended to compensate for the lack of gas taxes they pay.

The law does not apply to hybrid vehicles or to those that don't exceed 35 mph.

The state says about 1,600 cars currently registered in the state would likely be subject to the fee.

More From News Talk KIT