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Hybrid Cars May Turn Out To Be Mixed Blessings September 2004The cleanest cars on the roads these days are hybrids. There's a lot more interest in them today after Governor Schwarzenneger signed a new law yesterday letting drivers of hybrid vehicles use the state's carpool lanes. All that's needed now is congressional approval. ABC7's MONEYScope reporter, David Louie, reports from Santa Clara where the idea is being warmly embraced.Hybrid cars make up less than one percent of all cars on the road, but that figure could triple in the next five years. The new law signed by Governor Schwarzenegger could accelerate that. Drivers of hybrid cars will need a permit to use the carpool lanes. The new law sets a limit of 75,000 permits. But that won't be an immediate problem because there are only 20,000 hybrid cars on California roads. Miriam Luchian, Portola Valley resident: "I think it's a good idea. David Louie: "Will you take advantage of it?" Luchian: "Yes, I would, because I mostly driving by myself to school, and then it's very convenient for me to drive the carpool lane." Drivers of regular gas powered cars say they embrace the idea and don't resent the privilege extended to hybrid owners. Craig Farless, motorcyclist: "The idea behind the high occupancy lanes is to save some gasoline by carpooling. Another way to save gasoline is to drive a hybrid vehicle, so I see it being the same kind of idea." Sophie Ohara, Mountain View resident: "That will be less people that will be in the normal freeway lanes. They're in the carpool, so I think it will help everyone." The Toyota Prius and two models made by Honda, the Civic and the Insight, are the only hybrids that qualify so far because of one more requirement. The hybrid must get a minimum 45 miles to the gallon. That will put pressure on other carmakers to meet that standard when their hybrids are available. And it's likely to take longer to get a Prius. Dave Volkman, Stevens Creek Toyota: "Approximately four to six months, but it'll probably jump up maybe a bit longer, depending on color and options." The wait is due to limited production in Japan. Toyota says it's studying the possibility of building hybrids in the U.S. Because of high demand and limited supply, buyers pay full sticker price. Analysts say it takes 10 years and 100,000 miles for a hybrid owner to recover the added cost from fuel savings. One nagging concern is - what if this program is too successful? The law is set to expire in four years and CalTrans has the right to end it sooner if it thinks carpool lanes are getting too congested. SOURCE: ABC7News | ||
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