No one has pointed out that there was only $4.1 million dollars appropriated for the California CARB and it is first come first serve for those who are eligible. So at $5000 for each vehicle you arrive at 820 people who will actually get the incentive.

Odds aren’t too good for getting it as the funds will be expended in about one month. Leaf buyers have no better chance than a PHEV buyer.

Essentially, they created a law based on one aspect of present technology. The result, the law doesn’t take into account the advancements and is inflexible.

The same thing happened to the Prius. People couldn’t get registered because the vehicle couldn’t be tested for emissions in some states. Okay, so we have an environmentally healthier vehicle but it fails the environmental test.

Likewise, the Prius needs to waste gas warming up the catalytic converter so it can meet dinosaur laws. Our legislators need to pass good laws, update the old laws, or get out of their seats.

California legislators should revise the law to account for vehicles like the Volt. Yes, the engine may not be super-low emissions. But the engine is a partial use drive system. Therefore, what should be considered is whether the vehicle is a lower emission based on expected use.

For example, what is the emission level per year? This would dramatically affect the eligibility of the Volt. But hey, California has been full of some of the dumbest politicians for a couple decades now. Don’t expect them to do anything intelligent.