EVs and other green cars getting a smaller toll discount at Hudson River crossings

Drivers of gas-electric hybrid, plug-in and all-electric vehicles are getting less of a break after Sunday's hike in cash and EZ-Pass tolls at the Lincoln Tunnel, above, and all of the other crossings operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

By VICTOR E. SASSON
EDITOR

Owners of more than 40 all-electric, plug-in and gas-electric hybrid models still can save $3.50 each time they use the George Washington Bridge and other Port Authority crossings.

On Sunday, the off-peak toll for cars with a "Green EZ-Pass" went up to $7 from $6.25 in 2014 and $5.50 in 2013.

The off-peak EZ-Pass toll for drivers of gasoline- and diesel-powered cars jumped to $10.50.

The hike is the last of five annual increases approved in 2011 by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Drivers of green cars pay $12.50, the same EZ-Pass toll as everyone else, during peak travel periods.

Off-peak travel

On Saturdays and Sundays, off-peak hours are before 11 a.m. and after 9 p.m.

On weekdays, off-peak hours are before 6 a.m., between 10:01 a.m. and 3:59 p.m., and after 9 p.m.

An even bigger discount goes to any driver with three or more people in the vehicle under the Port Authority's Carpool Plan.

The toll is only $6.50 at all times 7 days a week.

The Green and Carpool plans require pre-registration.

For eligible vehicles, see the following list:

Green EZ-Pass Vehicles

Enjoying a big gulp of free juice at the largest Tesla dealership in North America

Tesla Montreal has two Superchargers and three Connectors for Model S owners at what is said to be the biggest such dealership in North America. In town for the International Jazz Festival, I rolled up with 23 miles on the clock late this morning and left with 208 miles after about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

There is plenty of espresso available in the customer lounge, but no milk, only a French Vanilla-flavored substitute. Bottles of spring water also were available. I didn't see any snack bars or other treats, like the ones at the Tesla dealership in Paramus, N.J.

I met another owner who said his rear-wheel-drive Model S did much better handling Montreal's bad winter weather this year than the Mercedes-Benz 500 he once owned. He also said the air-conditioning system in his Model S had to be replaced after one year.

In the Tesla Montreal service department, rear, a young woman declined my request for a free car wash, explaining they are provided only when the Model S is serviced.

Tesla Montreal, 5350 Ferrier St., Montreal, QC. Two Superchargers and three Connectors available 24/7 in a front parking lot.

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We traveled very well on our stomachs