Light-Duty Low and Zero Emission Vehicles
The federal Clean Air Act allows NYS to adopt California's zero emission vehicle (ZEV) standards. As a result, NYS' Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) program is modeled after the California LEV program. It applies to all new on-road motor vehicles, motor vehicle engines, and emission control systems delivered for sale in NYS.
The NYS LEV program requires all new vehicles sold in NYS also meet California emissions standards, which are more stringent than federal standards. The goal of the LEV program is to reduce emissions of smog-forming pollutants including hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen. Reducing engine pollution protects the environment and the health of NYS residents.
The LEV program also includes (ZEV and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission standards modeled after California programs. To meet ZEV standards, manufacturers must deliver ZEVs including:
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
- Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV)
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
- Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), and
- conventional vehicles with extremely low emissions.
ZEVs provide an emission reduction benefit as a result of the absence of tailpipe emissions. PHEV, HEV and low emission conventional vehicles enable the development and implementation of ZEV technologies. NYS' GHG standards are designed to reduce mobile source GHG emissions including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and motor vehicle air conditioning refrigerants.
ZEV and ZEV-enabling technologies are important to achieving and maintaining the long-term air quality of NYS. Vehicles equipped with these technologies emit fewer smog-forming and GHG pollutants than conventional vehicles, while providing similar performance, utility, and safety attributes.
In addition to emission-reduction benefits, ZEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs save consumers money through reduced operating expenses over the life of the vehicle, primarily through reduced fuel use.
Examples of vehicles with various advanced technologies:
BEV
FCV
PHEV
HEV
Zero Emission Vehicle Credit Balances
Each manufacturer shares ZEV credit information with DEC. This information is shared with the public every year. This is identical to the information released by California under their state laws and by states that have adopted California standards.
More about Light-Duty Low and Zero Emission Vehicles:
- 2019 Zero Emission Vehicle Credits - 2019 manufacturers' ZEV credits and annual production data.
- 2018 Zero Emission Vehicle Credits - 2018 manufacturers' ZEV credits and annual production data.
- 2017 Zero Emission Vehicle Credits - 2017 manufacturers' ZEV credits and annual production data.
- 2016 Zero Emission Vehicle Credits - 2016 manufacturers' ZEV credits and annual production data.
- 2015 Zero Emission Vehicle Credits - 2015 manufacturers' ZEV credits and annual production data.
- 2014 Zero Emission Vehicle Credits - 2014 manufacturers' ZEV credits and annual production data.
