Road user charges for electric vehicles are being considered by the Victorian and NSW governments, paving the way for a major overhaul of the way motorists are taxed as early as next year.

Victoria is likely to be the first mover, with senior government and industry sources confirming consultations had begun on a charge that is under consideration for May's Victorian state budget. NSW will watch developments closely before deciding on its own course of action, but Treasury has been discussing changes with the sector.

Road user charges for electric vehicles could be introduced as early as next year. Credit:AP

The sources, who declined to be named because the consultations were confidential, said there had been "a lot of conversations" and the tax "was on the radar" as both Victoria and NSW look for reforms to stimulate the economy.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has urged the states to find new policies across the transport and infrastructure sectors to lift a "handbrake" on productivity.