We're starting to hear a lot about acronyms like PZEV and SULEV. But what do they mean. These are standards developed for use by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). So vehicles sold in the DC area, don't necessarily use these ratings. But if a car is really clean, the manufacturer is likely to mention it. Honda has been putting a small decal on the back drivers side window if the car meets one of these standards; this includes some of their non-hybrid models. Other manufacturers might mention in their printed brochures or on their websites. The same model car with different engines can have different CARB ratings. Also, from year to year, the same model may have different CARB ratings. All of the hybrids out as of January 2005 should be ULEV or better.

LEV: Low Emission Vehicle
All new cars sold in California starting in 2004 will have at least a LEV or better emissions rating.

ULEV: Ultra Low Emission Vehicles
ULEVs are 50% cleaner than the average new 2003 model year car.

SULEV: Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
SULEVs are 90% cleaner than the average new 2003 model year car.

PZEV: Partial Zero Emission Vehicle
PZEVs meet SULEV tailpipe emission standards, have zero evaporative emissions and a 15 year / 150,000 mile warranty. No evaporative emissions means that they have fewer emissions while being driven than a typical gasoline car has while just sitting.

AT PZEV: Advanced Technology PZEVs
AT PZEVs meet the PZEV requirements and have additional "ZEV-like" characteristics. A dedicated compressed natural gas vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle with engine emissions that meet the PZEV standards would be an AT PZEV.

ZEV - Zero Emission Vehicles
ZEVs have zero tailpipe emissions are 98% cleaner than the average 2003 model year vehicle. These include battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.