Free parking in Berkeley soon may be added to the laundry list of perks for driving a hybrid car. City budget and energy commissioners will hammer out details of the City Council's idea to allow those who buy hybrid cars in Berkeley up to one-hour blocks of free parking anywhere in the city for one or two years.

"There's nothing in the city of Ber-keley more prized than free parking," Councilmember Linda Maio said. "People love free parking and hate parking meters ... what a benefit to pull into a parking space and not having to fish around for change. And we are sending a message that this is important and we are willing to make a contribution."