What in the world is a PZEV or a SULEV?

Do you know what a PZEV is? Or, how about a SULEV, ZEV or AT-PZEV? A PZEV or a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle is an interim category created by California state to allow automobile manufacturers more time to start producing the mandated Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV). PZEV vehicles must meet stringent requirements called Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (SULEVs) which means typically emissions have to be less than 10% of an equivalent ordinary vehicle. Other requirements include zero evaporative emissions from its fuel system, 15-year/150,000-mile warranty of the emissions-control components, etc. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is the agency that administers and sets emissions standards.

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