Honda's 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid has become the first vehicle to meet California's latest new emissions standard.

The plug-in Accord's per-mile output of only 20 milligrams of smog-forming emissions allows it to meet the California Air Resources Board's new SULEV20 standards.

SULEV20, or "Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle 20" is one-third cleaner than the previous standard, and more stringent than any other in the U.S. The cleanest Accord is not only the first to meet the new emissions regulations, but also already meets 2025's greenhouse gas emission standards.

The Accord Plug-In Hybrid is the latest in a line of Hondas to be first meeting new emissions standards.

The 1996 Civic was first to meet Low Emission Vehicle standards, while the 1998 Accord was first to meet Super Low Emission Vehicle targets. The 2000 Accord followed as the first to meet Super Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle standards.

Next was the 2001 Civic GX natural-gas vehicle, which attained Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT PZEV) status. Most recently, the 2003 Civic Hybrid was the first hybrid to meet the same AT PZEV regulations.

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid is now in production, and when it goes on sale it's set to offer some impressive economy figures, as well as low emissions.

In electric mode, the Plug-In achieves EPA rated mileage of 124 MPGe city and 105 MPGe highway. In standard hybrid mode, mileage of 47 mpg city, 46 highway and 46 combined is on offer.

Pricing starts from $39,780 and the first cars go on sale January 15, in California and New York.

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