Phase II Low-Emission Vehicle Standards

Generally cleaner than Phase I Low-Emission Vehicle standards and to be implemented phased-in from 2004-2010. Five classes of vehicles will be sold in California with each emitting less than the previous one.

• LEV II: Low Emission Vehicle, the least stringent of the new, Phase II LEV standards. NOx (Nitrogen oxides) emissions are one-quarter the level of a LEV I certified vehicle.
• ULEV II: Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle, a mid-level Phase II LEV standard. Hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions levels are nearly 50 % lower than those of a LEV II-certified vehicle.
• SULEV II (a.k.a SULEV): Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle, a California standard even tighter than ULEV, including much lower NOx emission and more durable control systems.
• PZEV: Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle, compliant with the SULEV standards; additionally has near-zero evaporative emissions and a 15 year/150,000-mile warranty on its emission control equipment.
• ZEV: Zero Emission Vehicle, a California standard prohibiting any tailpipe or evaporative emissions.