Your state and local governments are happy to help you with the purchase of a hybrid vehicle, so check your state’s website. Colorado, for example, offers a $4,713 tax credit. Other state-based incentives include free parking and single occupant HOV lane access in states such as California, which allows access for vehicles that meet its Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) classification, and are rated at 45 or more miles per gallon. Ask your dealer about getting HOV lane stickers, or visit your state website.

Corporations are also beginning to get the gas/electric mojo going, with the likes of Bank of America, and Google offering incentives to their hybrid-happy employees. Perhaps they should offer the same reward for car-poolers and train-takers, eh?