Definition: PZEV is an acronym for Partial Zero
Emissions Vehicle. PZEVs are modern vehicles with advanced engines
equipped with cutting-edge emissions controls. PZEVs run on gasoline, yet offer
extremely clean emissions with zero evaporative emissions. However some PZEVs
don't concurrently offer outstanding fuel mileage, with the majority of them
falling in line with current model year averages.
PZEVs come by way of California's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, a
vital portion of the state's low emission vehicle program dating back to 1990.
Throughout history, CA has set a tight green benchmark for stringent emissions
laws that have in turn led to tighter federal regulations. Vehicles are required
to meet tight emission test requirements for volatile organic compounds (VOC),
oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO). While it was thought that
battery electric vehicles would be numerous on roads by now, problems from cost
to range--and even marketing issues--led to a modification of the ZEV mandate
that gave birth to the PZEV, the partial zero emissions vehicle which allows
automakers to meet their quotas through partial zero credits.