Which hybrids are - and are not - welcomed in the HOV lane
As we mentioned yesterday, the EPA's list of HOV-lane-friendly hybrids has seen the light of day. The official draft list is now out, and it's pretty much as expected (you can download the PDF here). There's no blanket exemption for hybrids in the HOV lanes, as vehicles like the Lexus GS450h, Dodge Ram Hybrid and Saturn Vue Greenline still get to sit in traffic. CNN has the list of acceptable vehicles: - 2004-07 Toyota Prius
- 2006-07 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- 2006-07 Lexus RX400h
- 2006 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
- 2005-07 Ford Escape Hybrid
- 2006-07 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
- 2003-07 Honda Civic Hybrid
- 2003-06 Honda Insight
- 2005 and 2007 models of the Honda Accord Hybrid
- Natural gas versions of the 2003-05 Honda Civic
- Natural gas versions of the 2003-2004 Ford Crown Victoria
Related:
[Source: CNN]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joseph 4:38PM (5/18/2007)
I noticed that hte older models of the hybrids aren't on the list. I guess they're doing that to help create demand for new hybrids.
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steve 2:10PM (5/18/2007)
I have a Insight and I live in CA so i'm already covered, but I disagree with the list of vehicles. Is their goal to encourage the use of a technology or reward fuel efficiency. I think it should be fuel efficiency so all vehicles should quality if they exceed some efficiency bechmark. In CA only hybrid > 45 mpg qualify. I would say it should be any car > 45 (or even 50, i'm biased) should qualify. That way efficient gas (smart car), diesel (golf/jetta/bug diesels), CNG, electric can all qualify.
Bottomline 25-30mpg RX350H should not be rewarded over 35-40mpg corolla or civic.
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Chet 3:49PM (5/18/2007)
I don't get it.
The Saturn Vue Greenline gets 27mpg city, 32mpg highway.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets 32mpg city, 27mpg highway.
The Saturn would be MORE efficient than the Highlander in the commuter lane, but it's the Highlander that gets a pass?
The hybrid HOV favoritism can't expire soon enough. Exemptions should be given for efficiency PERIOD regardless of technology -- or NOT AT ALL.
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mikeinBuilding7 5:59PM (5/19/2007)
- the 400h is a hybrid in name only.
Questionable how much gas it will reallly save.
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mikeinBuilding7 10:44AM (5/20/2007)
If you can't get 30mpg in the CITY cycle, you shouldn't be rewarded by joining the HOV lane. Our GOAL is energy efficiency and independence. We are not rewarding one technology over another, we are rewarding EFFICIENCY and SOLUTIONS that SOLVE Global Warming.
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Derek 7:55AM (5/21/2007)
so, what about the highway cycle (are there HOV lanes in the city?), shouldn't the vehicle have to get 30mpg highway as well?
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Rob 7:36PM (6/08/2007)
The very first poll on the polling site A Popularity Contest.
Should hybrid vehicles stay out of the commuter lane if there is only one person in the car?
So far they are saying yes. Here is the poll: http://www.apopularitycontest.com/display_poll.php?ID=1
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