Californians (heart) Hybrids

One item in President Bush's energy plan--the measure to incentivize hybrid vehicles--is sure to warm the hears of at least a few Californians. The San Jose Mercury News profiles owners' love affairs with the gas-conscious cars:

As gasoline prices rise, sales of hybrids -- high-mileage, low-emission vehicles powered by both gas and electricity -- are rising. Last year, sales were up 94 percent in the Bay Area, 102 percent in California and 81 percent nationwide.

March was the best month ever for hybrid vehicle sales in the United States, and the trend will almost certainly continue. Three new models are hitting the market this year, including the $48,535 Lexus RX 400h, which went on sale last week. And five or six more models arrive in 2006.

The bottom line? Hybrid mania is at an all-time high. Interest in these cars and their environmentally friendly technology, combined with fans' enthusiasm and obsession over details like gas mileage, sometimes makes hybrid ownership seem like a cult.

If you want to see a cult of car owners, try reading Bimmerfest.