An ultra-low-emission vehicle (ULEV) is a motor vehicle that emits extremely low levels of motor vehicle emissions compared to other vehicles. In some jurisdictions it is defined in law; low and ultra low emission vehicles may be given tax or other advantages,Cerfication of low emission vehicles (Japanese) while high emission vehicles may suffer restrictions or additional taxation.Ultra Low Emission tax classification (Japanese)
In California
California defines a ULEV as a vehicle that has been verified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), United States to emit 50% less polluting emissions than the average for new cars released in that model year. Under LEV II regulations, the Tier I and TLEV classifications were removed for 2004. The ULEV is one of a number of designations given by the CARB to signify the level of emissions that car-buyers can expect their new vehicle to produce and forms part of a whole range of designations, listed here in order of decreasing emissions:
TLEV (transitional low-emission vehicle) The least stringent emissions standard in California. California phased-out TLEVs in 2004.
LEV (low-emission vehicle) The minimum standard for all new cars sold in California as of 2004.
ULEV (ultra-low-emission vehicle)
SULEV (super-ultra-low-emission vehicle) SULEV emissions are 90% cleaner than the average new model year car.
PZEV (partial-zero-emission vehicle) A PZEV meets SULEV tailpipe emission standards, but has no evaporative emissions (i.e., no unburned fuel leaves the fuel system). A PZEV has a 15-year / 150,000-mile warranty on its emission control components.
AT PZEV (advanced technology partial-zero-emission vehicle) An AT PZEV meets the PZEV requirements but also meets some of the necessary conditions of a ZEV. AT PZEV include dedicated compressed natural gas vehicles and hybrid vehicles with engine emissions that meet PZEV standards.
ZEV (zero-emissions vehicle) A ZEV has no tailpipe emissions. These include battery electric vehicles and hydrogen vehicles (fuel cell vehicles).
See also Low-emission vehicle United States emission standards
External links
California Air Resources Board DriveClean.ca.gov Glossary of Terms
ja:低公害車#超低公害車・無公害車