Hybrid vehicle purchase Incentives in California

Author: M. Rahman

Hybrid vehicle purchase Incentives in California

State Hybrid HOV: On Jan. 1, 2005, CA will allow hybrid electric
vehicles that get at least 45mpg and have SULEV emissions
ratings to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes without regard
to the number of passengers in the vehicle. As of 8/10, this
incentive is now in operation. Current eligible vehicles include
the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Honda Civic hybrid. Vehicles
must have special decals in order to use HOV lanes. Note: A
total of 75,000 decals are available and will be granted on a
"first come-first served" basis. For more information go to
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm San Jose Free
Hybrid Parking: Free parking at downtown San Jose public parking
facilities and on-street meters throughout the City for
Clean-Fuel Vehicles purchased in San Jose. Began 1/1/03.
Eligibility-- Contact-- Jason Burton (408) 794-1427,
jason.burton@ci.sj.ca.us. Los Angeles Hybrid Free Parking --
Gas-electric hybrid cars can park at parking meters for free,
but can still be ticketed for exceeding the time allotment for
metered spaces. The ran through a 6 month trial period from
October 2004-March 2005. The LA City Council recently voted an
extension of the incentive through May 2005 while the LA
Department of Transportation prepares an evaluation. Police
Officers have been trained to recognize hybrid cars. If you own
a Zero Emission Vehicle or Super Low Emission Vehicle as defined
by the California Air Resources Board, you may purchase a
California Clean Air Vehicle Decal from the California
Department of Motor Vehicles. Once you have purchased and
affixed the decal to your vehicle per DMV instructions, you can
park without depositing coins at metered parking spaces
(however, you remain subject to the posted time limit
restrictions) throughout the city. To find out how to obtain a
California Clean Air Vehicle Decal, go to:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/decal.htm According to a representative
at the LA Department of Transporation, four hybrid vehicles were
identified as eligible to receive the free metered parking
privileges during the pilot program: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic
Hybrid, Honda Insight and Ford Escape Hybrid. For more
information e-mail the LA Department of Transportation at
ladot@dot.lacity.org. Insurance Discount for Hybrids (private):
Los Angeles-based Farmers Insurance company is offering a 5
percent discount on auto insurance to California customers
driving hybrid-electric models. The discount, effective October
1, 2005, is for all customers who own a hybrid or
alternative-fuel vehicle. All new business customers will
receive the discount as of the new business date, and existing
customers will receive the discount upon renewal. Hybrid Tax
Credit (bill): AB 838 would provide purchasers of hybrid
vehicles a credit against net tax in an amount equal to a
specified percentage of the amount paid as vehicle license fee
(VLF) during the taxable year. The percentage of the credit
would depend on emissions ratings. ZEV autos would receive 100
percent of the credit, PZEVs 90 percent, ATPZEVs 85 percent, and
SULEVs 80 percent. ULEVs would also qualify if the vehicle
obtained an EPA-raded 75 mpg or above (75 percent of the credit)
or between 33 and 75 mpg (between 33 percent and 74 percent,
accordingly). The bill was not passed in the 2005 legislative
session. Hybrid Internet Sales (bill): AB 1223 would allow
direct sales of hybrid vehicles from manufacturers to customers
without having to go through a dealer. This bill failed to pass
the Transportation Committee on 5/2/05. Santa Barbara County
Incentives for Hybrids: Incentive funding ($1000) for up to ten
(10) hybrid vehicles is available for Santa Barbara Air
Pollution Control District residents. Funding currently
depleted. Contact--Irene Salazar ISalazar@energy.state.ca.us.
Responsible agency--California Energy Commission. Program ended
March 30, 2004 and is no longer in effect.

About the author:
Mr. Rahman is a freelance writer. He writes about automobiles
mainly about hybrid cars and electric vehicles. You can find his
writing on his website at: http://www.whybuyhybrid.com