Problem getting AFV license plate issue Georgia

[Earthdog]

So I have an issue and need some suggestions. In Georgia they are refusing to issue me a Alternative Fuel Vehicle tag as They say that the Ford Fusion Energi is not on the Federal EPA approved PHEV list. 

 

I am wondering if anyone else has had this issue and a link to anything I can use since I can't seem to locate a Clean Air Certificate from the EPA. 

 

TIA,

Jeff

[TX NRG]

So I have an issue and need some suggestions. In Georgia they are refusing to issue me a Alternative Fuel Vehicle tag as They say that the Ford Fusion Energi is not on the Federal EPA approved PHEV list. 

 

I am wondering if anyone else has had this issue and a link to anything I can use since I can't seem to locate a Clean Air Certificate from the EPA. 

 

TIA,

Jeff

 

I think the problem is that the Energi (like the Volt and Prius PHEV) does not meet the terms of the GA law as it is written because it gets part of its energy from gasoline and is considered a bi-fuel vehicle which is not eligible for the GA tax credit. See this page for details and the link there for eligible vehicles. http://www.georgiaair.org/airpermit/html/mobilearea/engines/Alternativefuels.htm Note the Volt and Prius PHEV in the bottom bi-fuel section of the eligible vehicles list which don't qualify.

[Earthdog]

I think the problem is that the Energi (like the Volt and Prius PHEV) does not meet the terms of the GA law as it is written because it gets part of its energy from gasoline and is considered a bi-fuel vehicle which is not eligible for the GA tax credit. See this page for details and the link there for eligible vehicles. http://www.georgiaair.org/airpermit/html/mobilearea/engines/Alternativefuels.htm Note the Volt and Prius PHEV in the bottom bi-fuel section of the eligible vehicles list which don't qualify.

 

I do understand the Tax Credit side but I am only after the AFV Tag which means I can use the HOV Lanes with a single passenger. Note the items in Red.

 

 State of Georgia Alternative Fuel Vehicle License Plate and High Occupancy

Vehicle (HOV) Lane Access

Details

The State of Georgia offers a special license plate for alternative fuel

vehicles, which allows access to the designated HOV lanes. Any vehicle

that has been certified by the EPA in accordance with the Federal Clean

Air Act may apply for the Georgia AFV License Plate.

How to apply for the incentive

If you are purchasing a PHEV (such as the Chevy Volt), you must ensure that the car is registered

properly by the auto dealer with the correct fuel code distinction (‘O’ for ‘Other’ or ‘F’ for ‘Flex’), which

will allow the car to qualify for the AFV License Plate. (Note that the default electric/gas designator is

type ‘B’ which does not allow for issuance of the AFV Plate.)

1. Print and complete the “Application and Verification for Issuance of an Alternative Fuel License

Plate” form from the Georgia Department of Revenue website

(http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/forms/pdf/motor/MV_Application_Verification_Alternative_Fuel

_License_Form_AFV.pdf).

2. Apply at any Georgia Department of Revenue County Tag Office. Note that certain costs are

associated with the AFV License Plate, in addition to the standard annual registration fee. This

includes a one‐time Manufacturing Fee, and the Annual Special Tag Fee. If you prepaid the

manufacturing fee please include your original receipt showing payment to avoid being charged

twice.

Important stipulations

 Plug‐In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) such as the Chevy Volt must be registered properly by

the auto dealer with the correct fuel code distinction (‘O’ or ‘F’). This fuel code cannot easily be

changed after the vehicle’s VIN is registered.

 If you are unsure if your vehicle qualifies, you can verify eligibility with the Georgia Dept. of

Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division at 404‐363‐7028.

 The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) 40‐2‐76 defines an Alternate Fuel Vehicle for

the purposes of the AFV License Plate as a vehicle that has been certified by the EPA in

accordance with the Federal Clean Air Act.

 The owner must operate the vehicle on electric power not less than 85% of the total time the

vehicle is in operation per year.

References

 http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/motor/plates/platesamples.aspx

 http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/forms/pdf/motor/MV_Application_Verification_Alternative_Fuel_

License_Form_AFV.pdf

[jeff_h]

 Plug‐In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) such as the Chevy Volt must be registered properly by

the auto dealer with the correct fuel code distinction (‘O’ or ‘F’). This fuel code cannot easily be

changed after the vehicle’s VIN is registered.

 

So what code did the dealer use?  Did they goof up and use the wrong fuel code?

[Earthdog]

Yep the dealer screwed up. Finally got it somewhat squared away. They can't give a an AFV Tag at the moment because they have to get Ford Motor Credit to return the Title since it was done incorrectly. Once its reissued I can get a AFV Plate... So I am hoping in Red Tape and Government time I figure it will take a month or two.

 

I don't know the code they used but it should be "O".  

[RealDeal]

It does qualify for the AFV tag subject to the 85% electric use rule but your local tag office has to call the Department of Revenue to change the fuel code from B. I spoke with Mr. Udi at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and he confirm that it is eligible. His email is james.udi@dnr.state.ga.us and phone is (404) 363-7046. I have not heard about the trouble changing the fuel code involving issuing a new title but I am sure I will find out. 

 

George C. Creal, Jr.

George C. Creal, Jr., P.C.

Got a DUI or Injury. Get the Real Deal.

www.georgecreal.com

[howardbc]

I am in Arizona and hope my Fusion Energi will qualify for the AFV incentives. I don't have the title yet so don't know how the fuel code was typed. It's not on the registration. I will try asking my sales person. Or is there anyone on the forum from Arizona who has any feedback?

 

'Hope you get everything straightened out there in Georgia.

 

Thanks. 

[howardbc]

A plug-in hybrid does not qualify for AFV (Alternative Fuel Vehicle) incentives in Arizona.

 

Just to follow up ... in my case unfortunately the Ford Fusion Energi does NOT qualify for the AFV incentives according to the Arizona Dept of Transportation. The vehicle has to use a non-gasoline fuel as its primary fuel source. 

 

I see some regular hybrids (like an older Toyota Prius) with the AFV license plate, but I suspect they got them when our State Legislature lost its mind some years ago and totally bought into an alt fuels scam orchestrated by a local businessman.  

[Markn455]

Yep the dealer screwed up. Finally got it somewhat squared away. They can't give a an AFV Tag at the moment because they have to get Ford Motor Credit to return the Title since it was done incorrectly. Once its reissued I can get a AFV Plate... So I am hoping in Red Tape and Government time I figure it will take a month or two.

 

I don't know the code they used but it should be "O".

 

Would you care to share the name of the Dealer? I just bought mine from Cherokee Ford. I hope they don't screw this up.

 

Mark

[Earthdog]

Well it took close to 3 months but I finally have my tag....

[Markn455]

Well I got the paperwork to take down to the tag office. The dealer put fuel type B. even after I spoke to them about it. Tomorrow I will be headings to the dealership to get this changed before the state gets hold of it.

[Markn455]

Thanks to this thread, I was able to get my AFV tag with so,e difficulty but did it. Ford is putting the wrong fuel type on the title. I was able to get my changed because they happened to use the electronic title. I went to the tag office armed with the original GA documents. Fortunately, the volt and the fusion energi are on the list. Once I produced the official list, it was little problem getting the tag.

 

Thanks to the ground for all the help!

 

Mark

Ball Ground, GA

[markb]

Very helpful thread.  I'll be picking up my new Fusion Energi next weekend and I'll make sure the dealer doesn't mess things up for me.  Thanks.

 

BTW, I saw two Volts today with AFV tags here in metro Atlanta.

Edited July 13, 2013 at 09:46 PM by markb

[Markn455]

Very helpful thread.  I'll be picking up my new Fusion Energi next weekend and I'll make sure the dealer doesn't mess things up for me.  Thanks.

 

BTW, I saw two Volts today with AFV tags here in metro Atlanta.

 

What dealer are you getting yours from?  I got mine from Cherokee Ford in Alpharetta.  While they seem to make reasonable deals on the purchase of the vehicle, watch out for the shell game when you get in front of the F&I guy. They will sucker you into every add-on under the sun. They give you a great deal on the car and screw you over when you get to F&I. Their DOC fees are almost $1,000 and they do nothing for it.  There are dealerships in the Atlanta area that don't charge DOC fees but they are few and far between.  

 

In any case, check out the car very well. Whomever did the dealer prep on mine sure screwed up. Valve stem caps not screwed on well. Also, the lid was off the brake fluid reservoir. Brake fluid splashed out all over the reservoir and down on the engine.  While I feel I got a reasonable deal, I felt like I needed a shower after I got out of that place.

 

They also screwed up on the Fuel type like you see in the earlier posts. The screwed mine up but thanks to this thread, I was able to have to have the information I needed to get it changed and get my tag.

 

Mark

Edited July 15, 2013 at 01:09 AM by Markn455

[Earthdog]

What dealer are you getting yours from?  I got mine from Cherokee Ford in Alpharetta.  While they seem to make reasonable deals on the purchase of the vehicle, watch out for the shell game when you get in front of the F&I guy. They will sucker you into every add-on under the sun. They give you a great deal on the car and screw you over when you get to F&I. Their DOC fees are almost $1,000 and they do nothing for it.  There are dealerships in the Atlanta area that don't charge DOC fees but they are few and far between.  

 

In any case, check out the car very well. Whomever did the dealer prep on mine sure screwed up. Valve stem caps not screwed on well. Also, the lid was off the brake fluid reservoir. Brake fluid splashed out all over the reservoir and down on the engine.  While I feel I got a reasonable deal, I felt like I needed a shower after I got out of that place.

 

They also screwed up on the Fuel type like you see in the earlier posts. The screwed mine up but thanks to this thread, I was able to have to have the information I needed to get it changed and get my tag.

 

Mark

Mark,

 

I made the drive from Canton over to Mall of Georgia Ford and they teated me good. For me its a hit or miss with Dealers in Atlanta, 

 

Love my Fusion 9 weeks on the same tank of gas for me. My commute is 18 miles each way and I have a Level 2 charger from Metro Plug In in Woodstock. So I never use gas.

[Markn455]

Mark,

 

I made the drive from Canton over to Mall of Georgia Ford and they teated me good. For me its a hit or miss with Dealers in Atlanta, 

 

Love my Fusion 9 weeks on the same tank of gas for me. My commute is 18 miles each way and I have a Level 2 charger from Metro Plug In in Woodstock. So I never use gas.

 

I almost purchased from Mall of GA but they didn't have the color and options I wanted. I found mine actually while it was in transit to the dealership.  There internet is a wonderful thing.  The car rolled off the truck while we were going over paperwork.  So, I got the car I wanted, the deal I wanted. My only problem was the experience sitting in front of the F&I guy and living through his BS Shell Game.

 

I am in Ball Ground and come over to Canton regularly. Maybe we could catch up over coffee sometime.  :)

 

Mark 

[markb]

OK, I just left the tag office $80.00 poorer (there is an AF plate fee) but with a second temporary plate and my AF plates will be mailed to me.  Here's the story. 

 

I educated my dealer (Malcolm Cunningham Ford) on the fuel code issue and they were very cooperative and submitted the car with a fuel code of "O".  The tag receipt came back fuel code "B" anyway.   Before going to the tag office I found a great web page posted by the Atlanta Chevy Volt owners (http://www.atlantavolts.com/?q=afv-tag-howto) and they said to send an email to motorvehicleinquiry@DOR.GA.GOV if you had this issue and explain your situation.  Keep in mind that the rule is you have to drive on alternate fuel at least 85% of the time. Given where I live and my lifestyle that's easy for me so I explained that and --within 15 minutes -- they had changed my record to a "O"!  They said that most owners of plug in hybrids can't really use electricity 85% of the time which is why they default to "B" no matter what. As usual Google to the rescue!

 

One more tip -- take an AF plate affidavit with you.  Even though I had done one at the dealer and they sent it in the tag office wanted another one.

Edited August 15, 2013 at 09:33 PM by markb