Hybrid Car Review

Hybrids are failing the emissions test in Georgia. But this isn't a story about how hybrids are failing. No, this story is a clear indication of how foolish government can be.

For the first time, owners of the 2004 Prius have to take their cars in for emissions testing. The test requires the car to be set at idle at 2,500 rpm on the tester. The problem is that hybrids shut themselves off rather than sit in idle, to save gas. The equipment then issues a failure to the hybrid because it says the hybrid is refusing to take the test.

Rather than admit that the Prius doesn't have any emissions at idle (engine off means there are no emissions), Georgia requires Prius owners to pay $25 for the aborted test, which allows them to go and claim a waiver (there are only five centers in the state). Only then are they given permission to buy a license plate.

How dumb is that?

If you are worried about emissions from a hybrid, look at fueleconomy.gov. There you can sort cars by their emissions. The top vehicles for emissions ratings are all hybrids.