Could Phill power Honda sales?

Could natural gas give Honda some gas?

Yesterday, John Herrington, a former head of the U.S. Department of Energy, spoke about the importance of natural gas for California as an alternative fuel at the unveiling of a new CalSTEP program promoting alternative transportation fuels.

"Natural gas is an extremely low carbon fuel that is domestically produced," Herrington said. "It provides proven near-zero emission benefits unlike diesel or gasoline-powered vehicles, and is competitively priced at about $1.85 per gallon at our Clean Energy fuel stations."

Today, in California, only the Honda Civic GX still qualifies for HOV access, unlike any hybrid cars which have met their quota. Additionally, the Civic GX qualifies for a $4000 federal tax credit. Moreover, if GX buyers purchase Phill, the natural gas home refueling appliance, GX users can qualify for another $1000 tax credit.

It will be interesting to watch whether Honda can make any gains with Phill and the Civic GX under this new CalSTEP program.