Ohio to kick GM’s full size two-mode hybrid SUVs out of the HOV lane
Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Chevrolet, GM, Toyota, Legislation and Policy, USA
Ohio legislators are changing laws that allow any hybrid into the HOV lane. This means that GM's SUV hybrids are no longer allowed in the get-to-work-on-time lanes. House Bill 62, sponsored by state Rep. Todd Kiser, R-Sandy, would bring Ohio in line with the new national standards which only include hybrids that improve mileage by 50 percent in the city or 25 percent overall. Smaller SUV hybrids like the hybrid Toyota Highlander would still be allowed in Ohio's HOV lanes.So, full size hybrid SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe two-mode hybrid, which only gets an MPG improvement of 40 percent (10 percent shy) will not be allowed in Ohio's HOV lane. The good news is that people who already have the license plate sticker allowing them to drive in the HOV lane by themselves won't get them taken back. New buyers of the Chevy Tahoe two-mode hybrid buyers, though, won't get the sticker. If Ohio does not comply with the national standard, national highway funding could be effected.
So, if you live in Ohio and planned on buying the Tahoe hybrid soon, do it now before the law changes and you lose this perk. What do you think readers: is the EPA wrong to exclude Chevy's SUV hybrids or did GM just make 'em too big?
Related:
- How SUVs screwed up the idea of hybrids
- AltWheels Video: GM describes Tahoe hybrid as a "big ass hybrid," Sir Mix-A-Lot would be proud
- Which hybrids are - and are not - welcomed in the HOV lane
- Stupid hybrid perk: no emissions test
- Hybrids getting a free ride in HOV lane
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