> Alternatively, the OTHER reasoning of "the rich should pay more" still applies, so I assume that's a factor here.

Once again, your assumption is incorrect. That base model F-150 that pays half the taxes costs more than my EV. The registration fee doesn't factor in income or valuation at all. A $100k Hummer EV pays the same as a $15k used Bolt. Meanwhile that Hummer EV is going to do a hell of a lot more damage to the roads than the Bolt.

It probably has more to do with the government being in the pocket of oil interests and acts accordingly.