Owners of the gas-electric powered Honda Civic Hybrid can now apply for Clean
Air Vehicle stickers that give the driver access to California's High-Occupancy
Vehicle (HOV) lanes. All 2004 and older model year Civic and Insight hybrids
will qualify for this incentive, as well as 2005 and newer Civic hybrids with
AT-PZEV emission certification. The Civic Hybrid and Insight join the natural
gas-powered Civic GX and hydrogen-powered FCX as Honda vehicles with
single-occupant HOV lane access.
"HOV lane access is one more reason to consider purchasing a Civic hybrid,
Insight or a Civic GX," said Dick Colliver, senior vice president of American
Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Now our customers can enjoy not only the fuel cost
savings and reduced emissions of a hybrid, but time savings as well."
The Civic Hybrid and Insight are powered by Honda's innovative Integrated Motor
Assist (IMA) hybrid technology. The IMA system employs an ultra-compact electric
motor/generator to provide supplemental power to the engine using energy
captured during deceleration or braking.
The system also provides an Idle-Stop function that temporarily shuts off the
engine when the vehicle is stopped at an intersection or in traffic for further
gains in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
2005 Civic Hybrids sold in California that qualify as Advanced Technology
Partial Zero Emissions (AT-PZEV) vehicles achieve an EPA fuel economy rating of
45 city/51highway with manual transmission and 47/48 with a continuously
variable automatic transmission (CVT). Prices for the 2005 Civic Hybrid with AT-PZEV
emissions range from $20,050 for versions with a manual transmission to $21,050
for CVT-equipped models.
Honda first introduced U.S. consumers to hybrid technology with the Insight in
December 1999. It launched its second hybrid vehicle, the Civic Hybrid, in March
2002, followed by the first-ever V6-powered hybrid, the Accord Hybrid, in
December 2004. The company will introduce an all-new version of its popular
Civic Hybrid this fall featuring an advanced new look, class leading features
and enhanced performance.
