Buying an EV Can Reduce Your Commute Time
Southern California is known for a lot of things. Sunshine, palm trees, great sightseeing and even the ability to be at the beach and in the mountains on the same day. Another thing we are known for, unfortunately, is terrible traffic. If you dread your morning commute you’re not alone. Sitting in your car inching along on the freeway is a terrible way to start and end your day. If you’re in the market for an electric vehicle (EV) one thing you might want to consider is how your purchase will affect your commute time.
Reducing Your Commute with an EV
Take advantage of HOV lanes
Many freeways in California offer High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. Better known as the carpool lane, vehicles with more than one occupant can enter the lane and use it to bypass the gridlock. This is especially appealing during high-traffic times such as common commuting hours as it can cut quite a bit of time and frustration off your drive, reducing your commute. The motivation of these lanes is to reduce road congestion and protect the environment by trying to get fewer cars on the road through carpooling. However, carpooling isn’t the only way to access these lanes. A Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) with only a single driver can also access the HOV lanes. The reason being that these vehicles also protect the environment with reduced or net-zero emissions.
Get your decal
A qualifying EV that meets the DMV’s emissions requirements to be registered as a CAV will be able to apply for a decal to access the HOV lane with only a single driver. You can check a list of eligible vehicles on the California Air Resources Board website. If your EV qualifies, you can submit an application to the DMV to receive your decal. Once you receive your decal, you can then access the HOV lane with only a single driver, reducing your commute time by giving you access to a lane that generally moves more quickly than the standard pace of traffic.
Get a prime parking spot
Not only will you be able to access special lanes for your commute, but many offices, buildings and shopping areas are starting to offer reserved parking for low emissions vehicles or charging stations reserved for EVs. These spaces are generally at the front of the parking area and are often open as there are still fewer EVs on the road. This means you’ll be able to pull directly into a spot and not have to drive up aisle after aisle looking for a space.
Reduced Commute Time an Added Benefit
If you’re interested in owning an EV, you might be investigating the benefits of purchase. In addition to performance, environmental and cost-of-ownership benefits, you can add reduction of commute time and ease of parking to your list.
Questions about the benefits of EV ownership including HOV lane access?
Connect with a sales associate at any of our Ontario Auto Center dealerships to learn more about the benefits of owning an EV.