Ford has confirmed that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has given approval for the new 2012 Focus Electric to drive in the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. The new electric car was approved for California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP), which allows them to use the HOV lanes rather than the normal lanes of the congested highways. The customers of Focus Electric in California can apply to receive a tax rebate of $2,500 when they purchase the electric hatch. Focus Electric also qualifies for the existing $7,500 federal tax credit bringing the total tax credit to $10,000.

Focus Electric is officially rated by the EPA at 110 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in city driving, 99 MPGe on the highway and 105 MPGe combined. Ford says that it can travel at a top speed of 84 mph and has a total range of up to 100 miles on a single charge. Ford is initially selling the Focus electric in California, New York and New Jersey but will expand availability to 19 states by the end of the year.

“Ford is providing customers the power of choice to save money at the pump – from our gas-free Focus Electric to our innovative EcoBoost technology that delivers leading gas-engine fuel economy,” said John Viera, global director, Sustainability and Vehicle Environmental Matters. “Californians have a legacy of embracing electric vehicles and programs like the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provide an excellent incentive for the continued wider adoption of electric vehicles.”

via Inside Line