Incentives available to purchasers of vehicles that use alternative fuels or are hybrids

The California Energy Commission, in partnership with the manufacturers of Ford and Honda vehicles and the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has launched its Efficient Vehicle Incentive Program. It will promote the use of efficient gasoline and alternative fueled vehicles, which emit fewer air pollutants.

According to Mike Villegas, air pollution control officer of the Ventura County APCD, "This program will help educate consumers on the types of vehicles with lower emissions and higher fuel economy. People will realize they have a choice, and can take personal action to reduce air emissions and conserve energy."

The program is available throughout California via partnerships with the California Energy Commission and many air districts.

In Ventura County, the California Energy Commission and the Air Pollution Control District are providing the program’s funds.

Incentives will be administered by the automakers on a first-come first-served basis and will be provided retroactively to customers who made purchases after Feb. 8, 2002.

Currently, 10 models are eligible for this program, including hybrid and dedicated natural gas vehicles. The hybrids, including the Honda Insight and Civic models, are eligible for incentives up to $1,000 per vehicle if purchased after Feb. 8, 2002.

The Toyota Prius is not eligible for this incentive program. However, all hybrids and dedicated natural gas vehicles are eligible for a $1,500 federal tax deduction. Honda and Ford will be offering various dedicated compressed natural gas vehicles, which are eligible for incentives of $3,000 each.

For more information on this program, call the Ventura County APCD at (805) 645-1408 or the California Energy Commission at (916) 657-4046.