GM starts merging Chevy Volt into California carpool lanes

By Greg Gardner/USA TODAY and Detroit Free Press

General Motors has shipped its first low-emission Chevy Volts to California, where the new version will let buyers go solo in the carpool lanes -- as well as earn them a $1,500 state rebate on the purchase of the plug-in.

"The Volts with the low emissions package are certain to be a strong draw for California commuters looking to travel the state's notoriously congested freeways in the carpool lane," said Chris Perry, VP of Chevrolet marketing.

Commuters who use the HOV carpool lanes in Southern California are estimated to save an average 36 minutes a day, or about a third of their total driving time.

Volts with the low emissions package, now standard for California, began shipping from the Detroit-Hamtramck plant this week. GM spokesman Shad Balch declined to say how many were shipped, but said they would be at more than 140 Chevy dealers in the state by the end of this month.

In addition to the HOV pass and qualifying for a $1,500 state rebate, Californians, like other buyers and lessees, also may qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit on the about $40,000-and-up sedan.

Production of the extended-range electric resumed Feb. 6 after stopping Dec. 23, Balch said.

Chevrolet sold fewer than 8,000 Volts in 2011, well below its forecast of 10,000. An investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Highway Administration into two battery fires that occurred after Volt crash tests dampened sales after it began in November, but the agency last month closed the inquiry, saying it was satisfied with GM modifications, which included strengthening the casing around the battery pack and adding sensors to detect when battery fluid leaks.