10 Comments

Although I don’t know about the specifics of this price increase, there’s a great article from CBS 8 on the cost drivers vis a vis the national average called, “A breakdown of the taxes and fees in California Gas Prices” published on October 7, 2022. Another article mentions only 14 refineries in California & since California requires their own blend of gasoline, low liquidity.

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I like my car so much I just bought out the lease. Plus I drive 500 mile one-way trips every 2 or 3 months to the Bay area, so not in my current sphere. That or a hybrid will be at some point.

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It's important to drive a car you like, no doubt.

Especially in Cal, where driving just always sucks.

As to the long trips, I would suggest a Tesla because of the Supercharger network.

There's superchargers every 50-100 miles along I-5 & 99.

They qualify for both state (2000) rebate and fed tax credit (7500).

High-pollution areas, you may also qualify for up to 3000 additional.

Low-income (not you!) can get up to $9500 if they turn in an old gas car in certain areas.

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Is there a reason you don't have an EV yet?

Driving 30 miles costs me less than $1.30.

And mine is 13 years old.

(13's are coincidental)

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Is there a reason why you buy premium gasoline? I once got scolded by KGO host Dr. Bill Wattenburg for doing it. Every car sold in the United States is required to take regular unleaded gasoline. Unless you have a Ferrari or something?….

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While all cars can take and run on regular, some cars get better mileage with premium as the engines are tuned to the higher octane.

I had a Volt that recommended premium 91, and it would get about 10% more in fuel consumption with regular.

If manufacturer doesn't recommend it, it won't make any difference.

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Interesting .... maybe the rules are different for hybrids/EVs....I thought Volts were all electric but I must be mistaken. 91 Octane is definitely premium. Regular is 87.

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Specifically, Volts WERE plug-in hybrid, with about 10KWH of batteries good for 30-40 miles of pure electric.

I could be wrong about the 91 requirement, it's been a while since I've been to a gas station, other than to buy beer.

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Volts are hybrid. BOLTS are EV

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I assume I get more kick with champagne!

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