FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jay Friedland (831-818-3510) Plug In America Lauds PHEV HOV-Lane Access Plug In America worked tirelessly to help passage of SB 535, which is so critical to consumer adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Please call our legislative director Jay Friedland (831-818-3510) or Zan Dubin Scott (310-392-1130) if you'd like additional comment: SACRAMENTO-Aug. 31, 2010: Plug In America, which has been working in the state capital for passage of California SB 535, celebrates Gov. Schwarzenegger's signing of the bill last night. SB 535 extends HOV-lane access to plug-in hybrid vehicles starting in 2012. Automakers Audi, Chevrolet, Fisker, Ford, Hyundai and Toyota have announced availability of plug-in hybrid vehicles for 2012 which can take advantage of the incentive. Please visit Plug In America's Vehicle Tracker for more information on EV/PHEV availability: http://www.pluginamerica.org/vehicles/ Says Jay Friedland, Legislative Director of Plug In America: "This bill is good public policy because it creates a very strong incentive for the next generation of plug-in vehicles and will encourage more California drivers to plug in and reduce oil consumption." Along with the recently passed AB1500, which gives HOV access to EVs, SB 535 will allow up to 40,000 new HOV plug-in hybrid access stickers to be issued prior to 12/31/2014. In order to be eligible for PHEV HOV access under SB 535, vehicles must meet the California Air Resources Board's Enhanced AT-PZEV standard. Details on SB 535 here: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0501-0550/sb_535_bill_20100812_enrolled.html Details on AB 1500 here: http://leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_1451-1500/ab_1500_bill_20100622_enrolled.html The bill's analysis here: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0501-0550/sb_535_cfa_20100810_170846_sen_floor.html At least five other states offer HOV lane access to plug-in vehicles. See Plug In America's page on EV/PHEV incentives here: http://www.pluginamerica.org/incentives.shtm