bobsfreeleaf said:
In LA/OC I can't imagine driving the freeways without the HOV stickers. I'm in San Diego now, but grew up in LA/OC, and remember the nightmare, especially in that Riverside/L.A. commute. I could easily see the cost of leasing the Leaf being LESS than just the cost of the access fees, for heavy HOV users. I would think the Leaf's would be flying off the shelfs there. Funny how someone would rather be inching through traffic in their Mustang COBRA, rather than sailing through the HOV's in their free Leaf.
If you're implying that the Leaf will automatically get you free access to LA Metro's HOV lanes, you're incorrect. Metro does not give any discounts to EV drivers; the only way to use the I-110 and I-10 preferential lanes for free is to have the minimum number of people in the car, which is usually 2, but sometimes 3. You still have to have a Fastrak transponder as well, and although any Fastrak transponder will be recognized (even those from the Bay Area), if you want to get the HOV discount you have to use Metro's own Fastrak which has a switch to indicate how many people are in the car (solo, 2, 3+).
For the 91 Express Lanes, you can get a special transponder for EVs that let you drive for free, except M-F 4-6 PM in the eastbound direction in which you get a 50% discount. But on the rest of Orange County's toll roads, EVs don't get any special breaks on the tolls.
Even the Bay Area bridges don't let EV's travel for free, even if every seat is occupied..