CA HOV Stickers Probably Gone This Month

Not an issue for those of us who work a swing shift!

 

There is EPA emissions data (NOx etc) believe can be found on FuelEconomy.gov or Greet data base. It's quite low for Prius. As far as CARB HOV logic I am not going there. Gernerally speaking it started out as smog control, and morphed into whatever we have now, which I think CO2 reduction has been added in as a goal. The relatively recent CARB quote that sticks in my mind, recall they said that they will do "whatever it takes" to encourage plugins.

I believe Virginia was actually first to demonstrate hefty Prius/hybrid sales when free HOV is offered. CA took it to another level, and used it to motivate plug-in sales. Virginia we are not going that route but we still allow ("grandfathed")hybrids and EV's to have free HOV.

 

.... "paid so much for their cars" ? ... you sure you got your facts straight? Volt & PiP base models both costs more than a base EV .....
2015 Nissan LEAF® S | Price & Specs
2015 Volt: Electric Cars - Hybrid Cars | Chevrolet
2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Reviews, Pictures and Prices | U.S. News Best Cars

and i do read other forums .... and haven't heard of anyone "rue the fact" they paid whatever they paid .... tho i'm sure someone will grip about anything. That possibility though, hardly speaks for the over 100 thousands other white sticker eligible people/drivers.
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It has been about 5 weeks since I submitted my application for green stickers in CA and I haven't heard back from the DMV. I called them about a week ago and the rep stated that they were backlogged in processing applications. As of last week, they were only processing applications that were postmarked by April 2nd. So as of May 11, the number of decals issued may have been in a result from applications postmarked by the 1st week of April.

 

I can't wait until the stickers are gone so Toyota can increase their Cashback! Seriously, most people wouldn't even consider the PIP if they know the stickers are gone unless there are massive discount like last year. Since I don't have the need for HOV, I'm one of the few customers that would buy the PIP only if, its current Cashback matches the regular Prius which is $3000.

Speaking of Cashback, it blows my mind that Toyota last week increased the Cashback for regular Prius, but not for PIP but isn't the PIP is the one that need extra boost since it primary benefit (to most people) is the HOV sticker and that is about to run out soon? Toyota better hurry up because I'm waiting to hear back from Honda. If a deal falls through, I'm bringing home the Accord this week.

 

There are no more pips in the production schedule for now to the next year. Really don't need to push them

 

W

Well if they don't, then their PIP will sit in the dealer's show room collecting dust just like a brand new2013 PIP Advance from Oakland Toyota.

 

As of last month, according to InsideEV's. the PiP was the most in demand car in the USA, more due to lack of supply. There are still a lot of local perks out there some workplaces even in Virginia give best parking to plugins etc not to mention I still think PiP as a plug-in-lite fits a certain niche. So as much as we criticize Toyota for not going with bigger Li battery, it's the only game in town in its class.

 

My timeline:

I sent my Reg 1000 on April 6th using regular mail. Should have reached Sacramento by 8th or 9th (at the latest).

Called DMV on the 12th (after seeing this thread), they said they processed the application on that very day. I see my check has 12th May stamped on the back, was posted to my bank account on the 14th. Currently waiting for the stickers to arrive.

 

Just got this email for Memorial Day weekend sales.

$4000 Lease cash for plug in

$2000 Customer Cash OR 0.0% for 60 months AND $1000 Customer Cash on 2015 Prius LB & Plug In models*

 

Thanks for sharing. I'm in the SF Bay Area and current deals are: $3000 Cash Back or $2000 CB + 0% APR for LB or $1500 +0% for PIP. The deal I'm waiting for is the one from last May when the sticker almost ran out which was $4000 CB + 0% for PIP. I don't expect $4000 but I won't take anything less than $3000 otherwise its not worth to buy the PIP over the LB.

 

With all the stickers now exhausted....you won't find a deal on these, unless you want one without the sticker.

 

I don't need the sticker whch why I'm in a good position for the PIP. I'm confident Toyota will eventually increase the CB because of the exhausted HOV sticker and new generation Prius is coming out in several months

 

There was an article couple weeks ago that said Toyota would be giving incentives on LB to try to beef up sales. Not including PiP, Prius sales of hybrids (c +v+LB) are down 5% this year YTD, which is not too bad compared to total hybrid market decline.

 

You were starting to bum me it until this post. My application just arrived in Sacramento on Friday after my dealer, Tustin Toyota was able to register and give me plate numbers just two days after purchase. My actual plates arrived on Saturday. Still have faith I'll get my stickers.