Chevy Volt Gets Solo HOV Lane Status in California
Published February 23, 2012
By Huw Evans
After the sensationalism of last year’s post-federal crash test battery fires, the Chevrolet Volt has something to smile about once again, thanks to the state of California finally approving the car for solo motoring in freeway High Occupancy Vehicle (carpool) lanes. Initially, the Volt had been disqualified, much to the chagrin of General Motors, though with a new Low Emissions Package (that includes the addition of a secondary air injection system to reduce exhaust pollution) the 2012 model is now eligible.
Although HOV single occupancy seems like a contradiction in terms, since these lanes were originally conceived for vehicles carrying two or more people; the idea behind HOVSC is to encourage commuters to drive low emissions vehicles in order to combat smog, which remains a problem, particularly in the LA basin.
2012 Volt models equipped with the Low Emissions Package (that’s standard for Golden State bound examples) have already begun shipping out from the Hamtramck plant in Michigan to some 140 dealers across California.
The Sacramento approval is likely to strike accord with a number of motorists in the state, who often have to contend with gridlocked freeways, especially in Greater Los Angeles. Using HOV lanes, on average, saves some 36 minutes of commuting time per day, essentially halving journey duration for many drivers. At present, California has some 1,400 miles of carpool lanes.
In anticipation of the new “improved” Volts hitting the freeways, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has printed up some 40,000 Clean Air Stickers for Low Emissions vehicles, while Volt buyers in the state can receive up to $1,500 in rebates thanks to the Low Emissions package, which makes the car eligible as part of California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. This is in addition to the $7,500 federal tax credit already available.
For more information and how to submit an application for the eligible rebates, Volt owners and lessees can visit energycenter.org
12 weeks ago
In most states, too, insurers set rates by zip codes. If you live in a major city like Chicago or Los Angeles, you will probably pay more than if you lived in a nearby suburb but still check "Clearance Auto" to find the lowerst rate
12 weeks ago
As a GM employee, I am glad the Volt will get this advantage, which will improve sales.
As a citizen, I think the "High Occupancy Vehicle" lanes should be reserved for High Occupancy Vehicles(!).
12 weeks ago
Every stickered Volt that zooms by in the HOV lane is a moving advertisement for the thousands of drivers that sit in traffic each day.
12 weeks ago
2012 Volt doesn't qualify for the HOV lane in New York Clean Pass program.
I believe this update is specifically for California.
12 weeks ago
Absolutely ridiculous.
Last time I checked HOV means High Occupancy Vehicle. I didn't like it when the Prius was allowed to do it and I don't like that the Volt gets the ability to do it.
12 weeks ago
HOV was conceived as a way to reduce congestion and pollution by making better utilization of vehicles. While the congestion side is not helped by including EVs, the pollution requirement is met. As long as this privilege does not extend to so many that the HOV lane becomes over crowded, then the intent of HOV is being met. Eventually HOV will be restricted to EVs with multiple occupancy!
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