Baton Rouge Buzzes with Electric Vehicle SurchargeBaton Rouge Buzzes with Electric Vehicle Surcharge Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has taken a bold step towards promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption by implementing a surcharge on non-EV parking spaces in the downtown area. The move aims to incentivize the use of EVs and reduce carbon emissions. The surcharge applies to all non-EV parking spaces in city-owned garages, surface lots, and on-street parking meters within the downtown business district. Owners of non-EVs will be required to pay an additional fee ranging from $0.50 to $2.00 per hour, depending on the location. The surcharge has been met with mixed reactions. Some downtown businesses and residents argue that it will discourage visitors and harm the local economy. However, proponents of the surcharge say that it is a necessary measure to encourage the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system. “We believe that this surcharge will help to level the playing field between EVs and gasoline-powered vehicles,” said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “It will make it more convenient and affordable for people to choose to drive electric, which will have a positive impact on our air quality and our environment.” The surcharge is expected to generate approximately $1 million annually, which will be used to fund EV charging infrastructure and other sustainability initiatives. According to the American Lung Association, Baton Rouge has some of the worst air quality in the nation. The city is also home to a major petrochemical industry, which contributes to air pollution. By encouraging the adoption of EVs, the city hopes to reduce emissions and improve the health of its residents. The EV surcharge in Baton Rouge is a bold and innovative policy that could serve as a model for other cities across the country. By incentivizing the use of EVs, cities can play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and creating a more sustainable future.