Hybrid Car Review

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley went on a signing spree today. Some of the bills signed today include banning hand-held cell phone use while driving, maintaining a three-foot buffer while passing a bicyclist, mediation in a foreclosure in some cases, and a Heritage Tax Credit used toward the rehabilitation of older neighborhoods.

And while the governor was at it, a $2,000 excise motor vehicle tax credit for anyone who buys a plug-in or electric vehicle. (read the pdf here)

Added to the $7,500 tax credit from the federal government, and you can see why people are so excited about the $32K price tag for the Leaf. Volt enthusiasts might be excited, too, if we ever find out how much the E-REV (or plug-in hybrid) costs.

Added in to the bill is a privilege for HOV drivers. There are two HOV lanes along federal highways: one on I-270 in Montgomery County; and one on U.S. Route 50 in Prince George’s County. No matter how many people are in the car, plug-in and electric vehicles will be allowed into the HOV lanes starting October 1, 2010. You will need a special state permit.

The tax credit and HOV access are set to expire July 1, 2013.