Ford C-Max Energi qualifies for California tax credits, HOV lane

The 2012 Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid will cost as little as $28,495 in California after $5,250 in tax credits available for buyers. It was also just approved for the high-occupancy vehicle lane in the Golden State.

The C-Max Energi is rated for 21 miles on electric power only. Ford says that should be enough for at least one leg of a driver’s daily commute. If by chance owners can plug in at work, it could add up to 40 miles of zero-emission driving per day.

The C-Max was approved for the Green Clean Air Vehicle Sticker as part of the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program. The program is funded by the California Environmental Agency’s Air Resources Board. To get the sticker you must act quickly; according to CARB, stickers are available to the first 40,000 applicants.

“We’re pleased with California customers’ early interest in the C-Max hybrids, our first dedicated hybrid-only nameplate in North America,” said Michael O’Brien, Ford electrified vehicle marketing manager. “This extra carpool lane incentive and rebate will help Californians go further with Ford in every sense of the phrase.”

The Ford C-Max Energi has an EPA-certified 108 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) city rating, 92 MPGe highway rating and a combined rating of 100 MPGe.

By Jake Lingeman