Does anyone know if the SULEV rating has earned the Prius the right to drive in the Car Pool (HOV) lanes here in California?<br><br>Just to add to the stats: Here in SF Bay area, my order was placed and confirmed 6/30, e-mail of match arrived today (9/4)... Can't wait to call the dealer first thing tomorrow morning.

Sorry, I checked on that and the answer is No! Even tho the Prius is SULEV Hybrids are not included. The only Toyota's that qualify are the RAV4 and the Camry CNG. Maybe Toyota can try to get their hybrid included in the AB71!

What is RAV4 and the Camry CNG?<br>Are they electric cars?<br>Are they still in production?<br><br>Thanks for response<br><br>Robert

RAV4 was electric. <br>CNG - Natural gas

Actually it should be RAV4 EV, which is different than the standard RAV4. I don't know about the availability of the Camry Natural Gas version, but the all electric RAV4 EV is only available in most states to fleet buyers who are purchasing 10 or more for a company or government fleet, may be different in California.<br><br>-Daanon

The RAV4 is a small Toyota SUV and they have a model that has just an electric motor, however it only gets about 125 miles before the battery has to be recharged. Out here in So Cal our local electric company is using them. <br><br>The Toyota Camry will run on CNG instead of gasoline.<br><br>Not sure if either of these are avail in the U.S. for sale.<br><br>Regards,<br><br>Al

&gt; Sorry, I checked on that and the answer is No!<br>&gt; Even tho the Prius is SULEV Hybrids are notincluded<br><br>Can you expand on this? I just went and read the text of AB 71 (passed and signed into law, see reference in the "Links" section.) It seems to me that the only qualification is that the vechicle be ULEV through 2003, and SULEV through 2007. There is no mention of energy source, just emmision ratings.<br><br>Further, the DMV web site (again, see reference in the "Links" section) has the form, Reg 156, and all that they ask you to attest to is that the vehicle is ULEV or SULEV.<br><br>Do you have more detailed info?<br><br> - Mark

We discussed this at length a while back. Although Prius is SULEV, it does not qualify for the carpool lane privilege in CA. A car must be ULEV or better AND ILEV (with a primary power source other than conventional gasoline). Thus, the Camry CNG and RAV4 EV qualify while the Prius does not.<br><br>Check out the DMV site again by starting on their home page and you will see that the carpool lane sticker application page warns that hybrid vehicles are not eligible.<br><br>Benjamin