Pzev Car Technology

What is Pzev Technology

PZEV stands for "Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle". In order to earn this certification, a vehicle must meet the Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) tailpipe standard, have zero evaporative emissions and post a 15-year/100,000-kilometer warranty on emission control components.

How does a PZEV work?

All vehicles certified as PZEV feature these four advancements:

First, the air intake system must use a charcoal canister to eliminate unburned gas fumes during the combustion process;
Second, the fuel injectors are more finely tuned and they close tighter to prevent evaporative emissions from fuel leakage;
Third, the exhaust system incorporates a more effective catalytic converter to reduce noxious particulates like nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and other volatile compounds;
And fourth, the engine control unit (ECU) must be reprogrammed to make the engine very hot upon starting, thus improving the performance of the catalytic converter.

As a result of all this, a PZEV is 90-percent cleaner than the average new automobile sold just four years ago. From now on, as Canada emulates the Californian regulation, every passenger vehicle sold in the country will have to meet this standard -- which isn't the case in all U.S. states, however.

Green Cars Consumer'S Opinions

5 consumers gave us their opinions on camera after a green car test drive during Montreal Auto Show 2009. Find out what they think.

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Pzevs News & Events

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On Route to a Greener Future
Monday, January 19, 2009

Once again, the Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS) is using the "On Route to a Greener Future" attraction to bring drivers up to date on all the latest environmentally-friendly technologies.

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2009 Subaru Legacy PZEV Wagon Review
Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Vehicles that pollute little or not at all are in the limelight right now. Hybrids like the Prius and electric cars like the Canadian Zenn are prized by newly eco-minded consumers. And that's perfectly commendable. But did you know that there's another type of "green" vehicle? Neither hybrid nor electric, they are going completely unnoticed. The Subaru Legacy PZEV is one of them.

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What's a PZEV?
Sunday, June 29, 2008

The automotive world is constantly swirling with abbreviations that confuse, baffle and frustrate shoppers and enthusiasts alike. Now, there's another one on the scene- this one intended for quick recognition by new car shoppers with a higher-than-average concern for the atmosphere. The abbreviation is 'PZEV', which stands for Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle. You can call it "pee-zev" if you like.