Question for Hybrid drivers on HOV |
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avalanche22
New Slug Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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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. |
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slugbug
New Slug Joined: 14 May 2004 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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....and How about the VW Bugs? Are THEY CF vehicles as well? I saw one with the CF Tags, and I was Confused??????[?]
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USA
New Slug Joined: 06 Jun 2002 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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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! |
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Luvmyhybrid
New Slug Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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We bought our hybrid for a variety of reasons...first, to answer your question, yes, we're sluggers and drivers. The hybrid purchase was first and foremost because of convenience...avoiding commuter lot traffic when needed, having to get to/from work in an emergency (and yes, in our jobs, it does happen), and the biggest (and most valuable) reason was because of gas consumption. Using less gas is a smart thing for this country to be doing.
PS -- our hybrid goes fast when it needs to ...it's not a poker. Blaming the hybrid for going slow is the WRONG conclusion, unfortunately, it's the owner of the right foot that has all the control. |
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DC2RV
Master Slug Joined: 28 Feb 2002 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 1014 |
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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?
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Luvmyhybrid
New Slug Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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slugging and driving...nothing's changed.
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churchlady
New Slug Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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DH is still usually carrying 2 (or more) others in the car in the a.m. The hybrid has meant no last minute problems when the third person can't go in. In the p.m. he usually only had 1 passenger and the hybrid makes the arrival home time more predictable. This predictability is important for medical reasons.
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ScarletLSG
New Slug Joined: 27 May 2004 Location: HI Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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DC2RV,
Prior to owning a Hybrid, I could NOT work at any of the IT firms in the Dulles corridor. In my line of work, this is the primary locale with open positions. My husband and I live on the Quantico base and without the HOV lanes I couldn't get up there in less than 2 hours. I tried picking up slugs and dropping at the Pentagon, then hitting 110 to 66 to the Toll Road ... but the side tracks ended up taking up as much time as waiting out 95. Additionally, having two kiddos and a Marine hubby means that I need to have a measure of predictability in my commute. My SOLE purpose for buying a Hybrid was for the HOV lanes and the ability to work. We are temporary residents ... by the time the law expires, we hope to be out of here. The residual benefits have also been nice -- tax breaks and gas mileage!!! Most likely we'll own hybrid vehicles from this point on ... it is nice to fuel up only once every 10 days or so. ScarletLSG quote: |
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Uhura
New Slug Joined: 10 Feb 2004 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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quote: Someone told me that the Hybrid HOV option will expire soon Here's what I found. Apparently it expires in July 2006: http://www.virginiadot.org/comtravel/hov-rulesfaq.asp Live Long and Prosper |
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Rus
New Slug Joined: 02 Jun 2003 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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Thanks for the website referral. I had no idea that Congress was considering legislation to allow the continued use of hybrids in the HOV lanes even though the HOV Task Force recommended that it is time to get the hybrids out of the exemption. Looks like there is still going to be a battle ahead. Time to write the Congressmen/women.
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