[Wetzel]

In Northern Virginia, there is another cost to factor into your hybrid benefit matrix: time. Up until June 1st 2006, a hybrid qualified for special licence plates that exempted you from HOV restrictions. In the heavily congested 95 and 66 corridors, this could save you an hour or more a day in sitting in traffic.

That has much greater value than a few gallons of gas each week.

Wetzel