Arizona HOV lane access ends for alternative fuel vehicles
Arizona's EV drivers lose access to HOV lanes, tax credits
Starting Oct. 1, about 160,000 Arizona drivers of single-occupant electric and alternative fuel vehicles will lose their ability to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes during restricted hours. FOX 10's Taylor Wirtz reports.
PHOENIX - A major perk for some Arizona drivers ends Wednesday, Oct. 1.
What we know:
Alternative fuel vehicles, such as electric vehicles, with only one driver will no longer have access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on freeways during peak hours.
For many drivers, use of the carpool lane was a significant reason to buy an electric vehicle. The change is tied to a 2005 federal law that lapses at the end of September.
A spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) said about 160,000 vehicles are registered for the alternative fuel plate that gives drivers statewide access to the HOV lane.
Arizona's alternative fuel vehicle HOV lane perk ends
A perk for Arizona drivers of electric & other alternative fuel vehicles is ending. Starting Oct. 1, single-occupant alternative fuel vehicles will no longer be permitted to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes during peak hours on freeways.
What they're saying:
Brian Yelder, a Goodyear resident, said HOV lane access was a big reason he bought his electric vehicle, citing his increased driving time due to the Valley's growth.
He and other drivers said they use the lane every day to get to work.
"Five or, you know, five days, six days a week. This is a big difference," a driver said.
A federal spending and tax bill recently signed into law eliminated a tax credit for people who lease or buy an electric vehicle.
"It was $7,500, so a lot of money," said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug in America.
He says September saw a huge increase in EV sales due to those trying to cash in on the credit last minute.
"We heard stories about people standing in line at dealerships last night," Levin said.
While he anticipates a slump in the next few months, he’s not worried about EV sales in the long term.
"What we've seen in other countries that have eliminated their incentives is that sales drop off for a couple of months, and then they pick up again and start going steadily," Levin explained.
Dig deeper:
"HOV lanes are available on freeways in the Phoenix metropolitan area. A requirement of two or more occupants is in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Other vehicles exempt from occupancy requirements are motorcycles, public transit buses, emergency vehicles used by first responders and tow trucks performing their duties," ADOT explained.
What you can do:
Click here to learn more about HOV lane use in Arizona.