The state of California has more than 1,400 miles of High Occupancy Vehicle, or HOV, lanes. Initially, only vehicles with two or more occupants could use them, in order to minimize congestion. However, as low-emission vehicles became more common, the Golden State recently changed the regulations, allowing them to use the HOV lanes in order to widen their appeal to buyers.
“HOV lane access is a coveted perk in California,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Global Chevrolet Marketing. Despite being an extended-range hybrid, the Volt didn’t qualify for one of the 40,000 HOV stickers that are only available California Enhanced, Advanced Technology – Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles.”
Up until now, that is, as GM has modified the 2012 Volt with a Low Emissions Package that makes it eligible for HOV usage even with less than two people inside.
According to Chevrolet, its engineers have added a secondary air-injection pump that streams ambient air into the exhaust system to enhance the catalytic converter’s ability to remove even more pollutants from the range-extending internal combustion engine.
Perry commented that “the low-emissions Volt will be a strong draw for drivers who commute daily in the most congested driving environments in the United States.”
Moreover, buyers of the Low Emissions Package equipped 2012 Volt will be eligible for the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project that adds an incentive of up to $1,500 in addition to the existing federal government’s $7,500 tax credit.
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