Commentary

This is the emissions test you take when you are having your car inspection sticker renewed. You leave the car idling and a sensor is stuck in the car’s tail pipe. 

The problem is that the Prius does it’s best NOT to idle.  If the engine is not needed, it shuts off.  The testing equipment is therefore unable to get a reading of emissions.

Of course, in a way, having the sensor take emissions readings while the Prius engine is off produces an accurate result, right?

The Georgia EPA takes some heat in reader comments.  Is that fair?  Even though a 2004 Honda Accord should never have a problem with the emissions test, the car still has to be tested.  The Georgia EPA just needs some time to adjust the test.

Here’s my short-term fix.  Prius owners drive up for their test and turn the climate control to 85 degrees with the A/C running, turn the lights on, rear window defroster on and windshield wipers on so that the battery gets drawn down and the gas motor needs to kick back in to recharge it.

By the way, Hybridcars.com reports that several states (California, Colorado and Maryland) have dealt with this problem by just exempting hybrids from some of the tests.

Here’s the link to the article on HybridCars.com and CNN video.