EV HOV Lane Access Is Ending – Here’s Why It Matters

By Elaine Borseth, Board Member

For years, carpool lane access for EVs has been one of the simplest, most effective ways to encourage clean transportation. A single sticker or special plate (depending on the state) allowed EV drivers—regardless of the number of passengers—to use the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, shaving time off commutes, easing congestion in regular lanes, and rewarding drivers for making the switch to zero-emission vehicles.

Now, those programs are going to end on Sept. 30, 2025.

Why This Change Matters

EV adoption is still in a critical growth phase. Many states have ambitious goals—by 2035, all new cars sold must be zero-emission. We’re on our way, but we’re not there yet. Removing low-cost, high-impact incentives like HOV access risks slowing the momentum just when we need it most.

Norway offers a compelling example. Through a combination of strong incentives—including bus lane access, reduced tolls, and tax exemptions—96% of new cars sold there are now electric. Two of the strongest states for EV sales, California and Colorado, on the other hand, still see EVs make up only about 25% of new vehicle sales. Every incentive we remove makes it harder to bridge that gap.

A Cost-Free Incentive With Big Impact

Unlike rebates or tax credits, HOV access doesn’t require state spending. It simply allows EVs to use existing infrastructure more efficiently. For many early adopters, that perk helped justify the cost difference between an EV and a gas-powered car. It also benefits air quality by reducing stop-and-go traffic for the cleanest vehicles on the road.

What We Risk Losing

Ending HOV lane access for EVs sends a mixed message. On one hand, we are telling drivers we want rapid electrification; on the other, we’re taking away a program that costs nothing and supports that exact goal. With gas and oil companies still receiving billions in subsidies every year, it’s worth asking why a zero-emission incentive is being cut.

A Smarter Path Forward

If congestion is the concern, there are ways to refine—not remove—the program:

• Limit decals to the cleanest vehicles (full battery-electric)

• Restrict access during peak hours in the most congested areas

By making targeted adjustments instead of ending the program outright, we can preserve a powerful motivator for EV adoption while managing lane capacity.

The Road Ahead

Transportation emissions remain our single largest source of greenhouse gases. We need every tool available to speed the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Ending the EV HOV program now risks slowing our progress—and that’s a lane change we can’t afford to make.