Question for Hybrid drivers on HOV

It's nice of so many of you to reply, but back to my original question - How did you commute prior to using a Hybrid?

Re Ford Explorer and VW:

The CF plates are NOT only for hybrids, contrary to popular perception. CF stands for "Clean Fuel," or "Clean Special Fuel" as it says on the license plate. There are a number of "Clean Fuels" that qualify for the CF plate, some of which are mandated by FEDERAL law. Vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (aka CNG) and propane are two good examples. Electric cars would qualify if there are any around, and presumably hydrogen-powered cars if they ever become practical (I know Mazda has tested a hydrogen-powered RX-8).

I know at least two people who have CNG-powered vehicles with CF plates, but you wouldn't necessarily know it simply from looking at the vehicles (a car and a minivan). So it is possible that the Ford Explorer and the VW in question may be powered by an alternative fuel. (Someone wrote into Dr. Gridlock last fall about an old Mercury with CF tags and Dr. Gridlock essentially accused the person of being a cheater--and wound up with egg on his face when the person wrote in to say that his car was powered by a legitimate clean fuel. Dr. Gridlock apparently thought CF was for hybrids only.) One thing to consider is that many, although not all, CNG- or propane-powered cars may be older vehicles. The reason is that people retrofit older cars to run on these fuels. Because you can't really use these cars for long-distance travel (too hard to find filling stations), they are essentially for commuting purposes only, and it doesn't necessarily make sense to buy an expensive new car for use solely for commuting.

One thing to note, as well, is that Honda has a CNG-powered Civic (the Civic GX) that qualifies for the CF tag. I've seen a few of them on the road around here. Because the CNG exemption for HOV is a matter of federal law, those Civics will continue to qualify for the HOV exemption even if Virginia phases out the exemption for hybrids. Betcha there'll be a lot of people fussing about "those cheaters" when that occurs!

Vabigblue.

That's the next big thing. Hybrid SUV's. I think some time this year Ford will release a Escape that will be a Hybrid. But I've seen a few cars on the HOV that have CF plates. I've seen a older unmark police car, Explorer, I even saw a old blazer with CF plates. Not sure if either of them where real CF cars but they had the plates.

Given the numbers on the road, that'll kill the exemption.

I also don't recommend the Hybrids solely for the HOV exemptions to my co-workers who ask. There are issues with the hybrids that you really have to want one for other reasons. If you stay away from SUVs and large 6-cylinder cars and mini-vans and the horrendous Hummer, you can do well in gas mileage. I also heard there's now a several month waiting list.