Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government plans to introduce an "EV weight tax" starting in 2028, aimed at addressing the perceived unfairness of electric vehicles (EVs) not contributing to road maintenance costs like gasoline vehicles do [1][2]. Group 1: Taxation on Electric Vehicles - The new "EV weight tax" will require EV owners to pay taxes based on the weight of their vehicles, with heavier vehicles incurring higher taxes [1][2]. - The tax structure will be designed to ensure that the revenue generated can help maintain and improve road infrastructure, as the shift from gasoline vehicles to EVs has led to a decrease in fuel tax revenues [2]. - The tax proposal is part of the 2026 tax reform outline, which also includes taxation on plug-in hybrid vehicles [1]. Group 2: Industry Reactions and Implications - The introduction of the EV weight tax has sparked controversy, with opposition from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the automotive industry, which argue that it may hinder the adoption of EVs in Japan [2]. - Initial proposals suggested a maximum annual tax of 24,000 yen (approximately 1,080 RMB) for EVs, but this faced pushback from the automotive sector, leading to a delay in detailed implementation until after 2026 [2]. - The shift to a weight-based taxation system may encourage Japanese manufacturers to invest in the development of lighter EV models, potentially having a positive long-term impact on the industry [3].