Are Hybrids Worth The Money?

I know three people in Southern California who just bought Prius cars so that they can use the car pool lanes, while driving alone, and save 40 minutes per day on their round trip comute. This factor was more important than the cost involved.

Incidently there is only one Prius battery charger in Orange County, so if your battery goes flat you may have a two to thre day wait.

 

I have a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier that gets 35 miles to the gallon. This surely helps when I have to drive 45 miles one way to NASA. I am sure thankful I have it.

 

The right to drive alone with a qualifying hybrid in the HOV lane is due to expire in June 2006 unless renewed by the state legislature. It doesn't look like they're going to do it unless pressure comes to bear due to high gas prices. Some complain that the HOV lanes are clogged with hybrids, defeating the carpooling purpose of HOV's. But there are far more cheaters than hybrids, and the cops don't do nearly enough about them. (Inflatable car pool buddies or not.)