Zero Emission Vehicle States Explained

What is a ZEV State?

Captain Crunch?! What are you doing here?! Like Mr. Crunch of your favorite breakfast cereal, California is always one step ahead of the rest of the country. It makes sense though considering it has the largest population by a long shot. This also explains why it wants to minimize vehicle emissions; It has more drivers! California is the original ZEV state. What is a ZEV state? Why do they call it Apple Jacks if it doesn’t taste one thing like apples?! One question at a time, please.

California has developed a program that provides tax incentives for car manufacturers who sell ZEVs. ZEV is a clever acronym for Zero Emission Vehicle. A zero emission vehicle is one that doesn’t pollute the atmosphere. One ZEV can be worth up to 9 credits, which allows the company to avoid certain taxes. The more credits earned, the more money saved on taxes. Manufacturers can also get credits for vehicles that are not entirely pollutant free, such as the upcoming plug-in hybrid C350e. This kind of vehicle is what is known as a Transitional Zero Emission Vehicle, or TZEV.

Which States Participate in the ZEV Program?

Since it is not a federal vehicle standard, all states are free to follow in California’s footsteps at their discretion, but none are required. Because there are cinnamon sugar swirls in every bite, nine other states have adopted the Clean Air Act to help prevent global warming. These states are as follows:

• • • California
    • Connecticut
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • Oregon
    • Rhode Island
    • Vermont

California also has a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) program, which has been adopted by Washington, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. These rules are less strict but are still progressive considering the remaining 37 states are completely avoiding the issue. When new electric, hybrid, or hydrogen vehicles are released, they are often only offered in these ZEV states. Now you know why. It is because they are required to if they want the tax break. We expect more states to follow sooner than later, especially after the price of manufacturing these vehicles drops. So follow your nose, wherever it goes! To a ZEV, wherever it grows! More in depth information regarding ZEV states can be found here.