http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?lln&id=421882

This is all very silly. My 99' CR-V gets 27 mpg. Should it also be allowed in the HOV lanes? It would seem very unfair to allow hybrid SUV's getting around 30 mpg in these lanes, while excluding the many non-hybrid cars out there getting far better than 30 mpg.

 

IMHO, hybrids should be in the rush hour traffic jams . . . where they get even better mileage. But California has unusual air quality issues.

Bob Wilson

 

Bypassing the rush hour traffic saves a lot of fuel in just about car, you're talking the difference between a steady speed usually not much faster than the jam, say steady 55mph instead of variable from 0-40mph. However, the more ironic thing is that in terms of absolute number of gallons, a Hummer would save more than a hybrid by bypassing traffic, as they waste a lot more gas accelerating such a heavy vehicle in traffic. A more signifiant fuel benefit is the fact that carpoolers (and hybrids) can avoid the meters when entering freeway onramps, meaning they can keep moving rather than stopping and flooring it from 0-60 in a very short space. Of course, this would be true of any car as well.

The logic involved though is not that that veihicle will get better instantaneous mileage, but that the ability to save time will act as an incentive to get more people to buy cars that are more efficient. However, seeing as the cars are selling out on their own anyway, it is a pretty stupid idea. The whole purpose of those lanes is to reduce congestion by encouraging people to carpool-- it's about reducing the number of cars, not tailpipe emissions (though less cars will have that effect). Allowing any single-drivers in can actually counteract that incetive by filling the lane up.

As for the article, it's ridiculous -- Toyota and Honda betweem them have several hybrids (SUVs, performance sedans) that are not allowed in the carpool lanes either, it has nothing to do with discriminating against Ford/GM. Also, the entire point will be moot on Jan 1,2008 anyway when the program is discontinued, at least in California.

 

You know, if appealing to the federal government doesn't work, maybe they should just cry to their mommy.

 

Maybe they should try making hybrid that gets 50mpg or better.

 

I did a bit of digging:

From Hybridcenter.org:
If you speak legalese, you can read the bill here

On p. 54, it states

And while a 50% increase in city or 25% combined mileage increase does fit Congress' definition of an energy efficient vehicle, nothing sticks out as saying that states that is the only possible definition, nor does it say states have to do it.

 

Of course it is much easier for Ford and GM to lobby congress to lower regulations than to raise their technology to meet current ones. Business as usual for American corporations.....

Amazing.

 

Very funny and very true.
Exactly!