The Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid is now eligible for additional state rebates in California, and has access to HOV lanes.

California drivers interested in saving extra cash, and avoiding time wasted in traffic, you have some good news—or at least another option in the EV market. The Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid has been approved for an additional state rebate, and access to highly coveted HOV lanes. While operation in EV-only model, the compact minivan-like C-Max Energi has a range of 21 miles, and top speed of 85 mph. Once the battery is drained, a fuel-efficient Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine provides power and additional driving range comparable to a conventional vehicle.

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While the C-Max Energi might not have the green gravitas of a full electric—like the Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi i—that hasn’t stopped it from earning a Green Clean Air Vehicle Sticker as part of the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP), as approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This allows the C-Max Energi solo-driver access to all carpool/HOV lanes—a huge plus for anyone who deals with the horror of Golden State commuting on a daily basis.

Sweetening the deal is an additional $1,500 state rebate that, when combined with the existing federal green-car rebate of $3,750, brings the sticker price of the C-Max Energi to $28,495. For California residents, this represents a total savings of more than $5,000 over the regular base price of the plug-in hybrid Ford. The C-Max Energi goes on sale on a limited basis this year, with a nationwide rollout planned for 2013.

Vehicles eligible for the Green Clean Air Vehicle Sticker are limited to the first 40,000 applicants. As of October 9, 2012, almost 5,600 green stickers have been issued. Full electrics like the Honda Fit EV, Nissan LEAF, and Ford Focus Electric are eligible for the unlimited White Clean Air Vehicle Sticker. According to the CARB website, the expiration date for these white stickers has been extended to at least January 1, 2015.