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Partial-Zero Emissions Vehicle?
I test drove the `08 Legacy 2.5i SE about 2 weeks ago, and I just remembered (I took pictures of the car's exterior and interior) there is a decal on the back regarding PZEV.
I noticed that the smog putout by the car is 0.1 tons, which is very good, and I imagine that's because of tough emissions laws for the cars in the NJ area.
My question is - should I be aware of anything "special" regarding PZEV, such as more costly or more often repairs to the exhaust system? Just replaced the muffler and exhaust pipes on the undercarriage of my `00 Civic, I don't mind because it was 8 years old and a relatively cheap fix at 150.
I noticed that the smog putout by the car is 0.1 tons, which is very good, and I imagine that's because of tough emissions laws for the cars in the NJ area.
My question is - should I be aware of anything "special" regarding PZEV, such as more costly or more often repairs to the exhaust system? Just replaced the muffler and exhaust pipes on the undercarriage of my `00 Civic, I don't mind because it was 8 years old and a relatively cheap fix at 150.
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PZEVs have their own administrative category within the state of California for low emission vehicles.
This vehicle category was created as part of a bargain with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), so that the automobile manufacturers could postpone producing mandated zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), which will require the production of electric vehicles or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
The vehicles constructed to meet the PZEV requirements also fall within the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV)-category. Various techniques are used to reduce pollution in these vehicles. In order to qualify as a PZEV, a vehicle must meet the SULEV standard and, in addition, have zero evaporative emissions from its fuel system plus an extended (15-year/150,000-mile) warranty on its emission-control components, which incidentally covers the propulsion electrical components of a hybrid electric vehicle.
Some vehicles can be classified as AT-PZEV, standing for Advanced Technology PZEV. This type of vehicle is just as clean as a PZEV vehicle, but gets much better fuel efficiency due to the use of hybrid electric vehicle systems. This technology can also be used in a Sport Utility Vehicle to improve their traditionally lower fuel economy; however they may still lag behind the efficiency of smaller vehicles.
With the exception of some hybrids and alternative-fuel vehicles, PZEVs do not come with any incentives other than the extended emissions warranty for buyers from either federal or state government. In particular, PZEV vehicles do not automatically qualify for the hybrid vehicle tax credit or for the "clean air vehicle" decal that allows hybrid car drivers to use car-pool lanes.[2]
You can only buy car models that meet PZEV standards if you live in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, or Vermont — or in some sales regions near these states. These five "clean car states" have implemented California's more stringent motor vehicle pollution control rules. Other states will soon begin implementing these standards, including Connecticut, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington. The reasoning is surmised that while modifications only cost $200 for the consumer, it costs as much as $1,500 for the automaker. If the car companies passed on the entire expense, it could hinder sales and slow the automaker's compliance with ultra-low-emission laws.[3]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PZEV
I'm in MD, which is not a PZEV state, but I went out of the way to order one specifically, believe it or not. :shades:
But state laws in PZEV states mean all emissions related items are covered. Basically it has to pass emissions inspection for the first 150,000 miles.
If anything, it would make sense for Subaru to use more durable emissions related euqipment on the PZEV models.
On the PZEV Forester, you get a bonus - 5 extra horsepower. :shades:
some people have found that the idling on first start is very rough in cold weather. there has been a TSB on this, the engine is designed to run on CA spec fuel, it the fuel in your state is different enough, this idle problem could occur. I have not noticed a problem in IL.
-mike