How can I choose a car that has fewer emissions?
When shopping for a new or used vehicle, keep in mind that while all California cars have advanced emission control systems, many newer vehicles are designed to produce even lower levels of emissions - you just need to know what to look for. There are technologies like hybrid electric vehicles that combine an internal combustion engine with a battery and electric motor to maximize fuel economy and produce fewer emissions. Additionally, there are many gasoline vehicles available today with extremely low emissions – sometimes lower than hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles. Such vehicles are certified by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) as partial zero emission vehicles or PZEVs, and Advanced Technology PZEVs (AT PZEVs) because pollution controls are so tight and the burning of fuel is extremely efficient. PZEVs and AT PZEVs meet the ARB's most stringent tailpipe emission standard (super ultra low emission vehicle), have a 15 year/150,000 mile warranty and have zero evaporative emissions.
Makes and models on the market range from ARB’s best to worst emission ratings. You can find out which ones are the cleanest by asking your dealer about the emission rating, and choosing a vehicle that meets a SULEV rating or better.
Popularity of hybrid vehicles is growing and we are seeing this reflected in manufacturer production plans. As new models of hybrids and other clean vehicles are announced, they are added to the Future Clean Vehicles. These are projections based on what manufacturers have announced, however production plans change often, and nobody can be sure what will be on the market until we see the cars on the dealership lot.
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