PZEV is Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle. PZEV was initially created to meet the air quality standards in California. PZEV are cars that run on gasoline but were designed to produce ultra-clean emissions.
This article will explain what exactly a PZEV is, the pros and cons of PZEVs and if a PZEV is a good option for an environmentally friendly vehicle.
If you are thinking about purchasing a partial zero-emissions vehicle, it is helpful to know what exactly they are and how they are built differently than otter vehicles.
What is PZEV?
PZEV vehicles are an incredible option if you are looking for an environmentally friendly car that does not compromise the performance and safely drives you to and from your destination.
When looking at a PZEV instead of a typical car, it is imperative to know how they are different and why PZEVs may be a better option than your current vehicle.
Four main areas within a PZEV have been changed to create low emissions and maintain performance. Subaru has focused on adapting and modifying the original car’s design to reduce any pollutants that are caused by fuel leaks. They include, but are not limited to:
- Catalytic Converter
- Fuel Injectors
- Dual Filtration Air Intake
- Engine Control Module
Catalytic Converter
Within the Catalytic Converter of a partial zero vehicle emission vehicles are a few added features that help reduce the typical pollutants that are usually expelled. There is an added fine mesh along the entire catalytic converter’s length that plays a massive role in reducing emissions.
Besides that, there are also catalytics whose role is to change the pollutants’ entire structure to reduce the catalytic converter emissions. Each of these additions to the catalytic converter of PZEVs plays a considerable role in reducing emissions by successfully converting pollutants as they pass through.
Fuel Injectors
Fuel Injectors on PZEVs have been adapted and changed to reduce and prevent any emissions caused by fuel leakage. With PZEVs, the fuel injector was built to close quickly and tightly to prevent any fuel leakage and reduce the opportunity for evaporation emissions.
Dual Filtration Air Intake
Subaru PZEVs have also installed a charcoal canister that absorbs any emission or unburned gas fumes that typically escape on standard cars. The addition of a charcoal canister acts as another barrier to keep any fumes from escaping as added emissions or pollutants into the air.
Engine Control Module
Typically emissions are higher and more frequent in vehicles that are cold started. With an ECM addition, PZEVs can heat up faster and cause the catalytic converter to work quicker and more effectively.
With each of these additions, Subaru has risen to the occasion by creating the first gas-powered vehicle that is also environmentally friendly. A PZEV is a great option that is budget-friendly and allows you to continue to use gas to power your vehicle without adding extra or unnecessary pollutants into the mail.
Popular Mechanic has a useful article here
to dig deeper into this topic.
What are the Makes and Models of Cars Certified PZEV?
With more and more people turning to environmentally friendly vehicles, many manufacturers have provided various PZEV car options. Below you will find multiple makes of cars that you can choose from that are certified PZEV.
BMW
- 325Ci
Buick
- LaCrosse
- Lucerne
Chevrolet
- Impala
- Cobalt
- Monte
Ford
- Fusion
- Escape Hybrid
- Focus Wagon
Kia
- Spectra
Lincoln
- MKZ Hybrid
Honda
- Civic
- Accord Hybrid
- Civic Hybrid
- Civic GX
Hyundai
- Elantra
Mazda
- M3
- 6
Mercury
- Mariner Hybrid
- Milan
Mercedes Benz
- E350
Nissan
- Ultima
Toyota
- Prius Hybrid
- Camry Hybrid
Subaru
- XV Crosstrek
- Forester
- Outback
Volkswagon
- Rabbit
- Jetta
- New Beetle
Volvo
- S40
- S60
- V50
- V70
No matter what PZEV car you choose, you are sure to feel confident driving a vehicle that protects the environment and provides you with reliable transportation.
Does PZEV affect Performance?
A PZEV is a car that runs on unleaded gas but provides you with an option to reduce your vehicle emissions significantly. Partial Zero Emission vehicles are considered the cleanest gas-powered vehicle on the market and offer you plenty of conveniences to protect the environment without compromising performance.
Driving a PZEV allows you to drive your vehicle without any issues or differences in driving ability or performance. There is absolutely no change in performance from driving a typical car to driving a PZEV. Subaru did an incredible job of creating a partial zero-emission car without affecting how the car drives.
There are a variety of vehicles on the market that are good for the environment, from hybrid electric cars and electric cars, but the one significant difference from PZEVs is fuel. Partial zero-emission cars run entirely on unleaded gas. Because they run on gas, their entire system was rearranged and reinvented by Subaru to reduce emissions and allow users to continue to use a gas-powered vehicle.
How do I know if my car is PZEV?
There are multiple factors and requirements that qualify a vehicle as a partial zero-emission vehicle.
- Zero emissions from the fuel system
- Warranty that covers 150,000 miles
- Pass specific emissions test
While Subaru initially created the first PZEV that has been used worldwide, there are plenty of other car manufacturers that stepped up to the plate to offer environmental vehicle options.
Mazda, Volkswagen, Honda, and Ford have also come to the forefront for manufacturers who have begun creating partial zero-emission vehicles for customers to buy and enjoy.
One way to tell if your vehicle is a PZEV is to look at the VIN number on your front windshield. A PZEV vehicle will typically have the eighth digit will refer to what engine your vehicle is. If your VIN number is a Z then it points to the fact that your vehicle is a partial zero-emission vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
When the engine is turned off on typical engines, unburned vapors will escape into the air and add pollution to the environment. A PZEV engine has multiple added features that lower and completely erase the pollutants that enter because of unburned vapors in the air.
Not all Subaru models are certified PZEV. Subaru was the original creator of PZEVs and has continued to provide quality vehicles to protect the environment. After Subaru created the first PZEVs, manufacturers and companies that included Volkswagen and Mazda began making their own PZEVs
A PZEV warranty typically covers your car for 15 years or 150,000 miles. The warranty will cover any aspect of your vehicle that has to do with emissions. Emissions warranty includes your engine cooling system, your fuel and ignition system, and more. If you run into issues with your PZEV within the first 15 years of owning it, you can contact your manufacturer to get everything covered by your warranty fixed.
Conclusion
As more and more people are transitioning to environmentally friendly vehicles, it is essential to know the options that are on the market. From hybrid cars to electric cars to PZEVs, there are so many options to choose from, so understanding each will help you make an informed decision.
Subaru originally created PZEVs in order to be accepted by the State of California’s strict emission laws. PZEV stands for partial zero-emission vehicle, and multiple aspects of the car have been revamped to reduce and completely eliminate emissions that typically escape into the air.
The fuel injector, catalytic converter, and engine control module are just some of the differences that Subaru has changed on their new PZEV cars. When purchasing a new PZEV car or thinking about buying an environmentally friendly vehicle, it is essential to note that the performance of a PZEV is equal to the performance of typical cars.
The performance of your PZEV car will not be any different than the vehicle you already drive. This factor is different from other environmentally friendly cars because many hybrids and electric vehicles are not as focused on performance and cause you to sacrifice performance in order to be environmentally friendly. A PZEV vehicle helps you to combat excessive pollutants while still providing you the convenience of having access to fuel wherever you go.