Originally designed for vehicles with two or more occupants, in 2004 the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes were opened to individual occupancy cars capable of running on electricity alone and with 45mpg or greater highway fuel economy. The DMV estimates using the 1,400 miles of the state’s HOV lanes saves 36 minutes, or up to a third, of an average Californian commuting time.

Last July, the first ‘yellow sticker’ programme was terminated, with the Volt excluded from the list of vehicles eligible to use the new Clean Air stickers introduced this year. The first batch of Volts to be fitted with the new Low Emissions Package – a standard fit for vehicles bound for California, New York and Florida – will arrive in Californian dealers this week.

Toyota's forthcoming Prius Plug-in Hybrid will also eligible to use the lanes.

In addition to saving time, the Low Emissions Package allows potential owners to claim a $1,500 state rebate in addition to the $7,500 federal tax credit available on the car.