LAT: California Limits Hybrids in Fast Lanes [View All]

[DeepModem Mom]

State Limits Hybrids in Fast Lanes
By Amanda Covarrubias and Wendy Lee, Times Staff Writers


Owners of hybrid cars in California began applying for $8 decals Thursday that will allow them to drive solo in carpool lanes. But some drivers are going to be disappointed: The state says only three hybrids — the Honda Civic, Honda Insight and Toyota Prius — will be allowed.

That leaves four others on the market, the Honda Accord, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX 400h and Ford Escape, off the list.

Ford, in the midst of a publicity campaign touting its hybrids as a symbol of its environmental commitment, is not happy.

"The U.S. Congress determined the formula for hybrid vehicles in (carpool) lanes with single occupants, and in that law, the Ford Escape hybrid is equal to the Toyota Prius," said Mike Moran, a spokesman for Ford Motor Co. in Washington, D.C....

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The national highway bill that President Bush signed into law on Wednesday allows states to let hybrids into carpool lanes. But California passed a law last year that sets stricter standards than the national standards for mileage and emissions....


http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/la-me-hybrid12aug12,1,6632176,full.story?ctrack=1&cset=true