Super ultra-low emission vehicle
U.S. classification for passenger vehicle emissions
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Super ultra-low emissions vehicle (SULEV) is a U.S. classification for passenger vehicle emissions. The classification is based on producing 90% fewer emissions than the average gasoline-powered vehicle.[1] The SULEV standard is stricter than the standard for LEV (low emission vehicle) and ULEV (ultra-low-emission vehicle), however not as strict as PZEV (partial zero-emissions vehicle) which meets the SULEV standard for tailpipe emissions, but has zero instead of reduced evaporative emissions.[2][irrelevant citation] Japan also offers an SU-LEV classification, for vehicles that show a 75 percent reduction in emissions vis-à-vis the 2005 emissions standards.
US EPA Smog Ratings
The SULEV classification is defined among the Smog Ratings for vehicles in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Green Vehicle Guide.
The U.S. EPA's site fueleconomy.gov has a Power Search that provides smog ratings for particular vehicle models based on model year, make (manufacturer), and other criteria. As of February 2026, the EPA smog rating for a vehicle model appears within the Energy and Environmental tab of that model's profile.
Examples
Examples of vehicles delivering SULEV emissions performance include:
- Honda Accord 2000-[when?][3]
- Honda Insight (CVT transmission models only)[4]
- Honda Civic Hybrid CVT transmission models only, AT-PZEV available in certain states[5]
- Honda Civic GX Natural Gas
- Honda CR-Z (AT-PZEV)
- Toyota Prius[1]
- Ford Focus SULEV[6]
- BMW SULEV 230i, i3 REx, 128i, 328i, 325i, 325Ci, and 325iT[7]
- Subaru PZEV Vehicles beginning with 2008 year models including Forester, Outback, and Legacy[8]
- Chevrolet Volt[9]
- Hyundai Elantra[10][irrelevant citation]
- Lexus CT200h
- Honda Clarity PHEV 2018 – LEV3-SULEV20
- Kia Forte
- Volkswagen Jetta[11]
- Mini Cooper Hardtop 4-Door[12]
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid[13]
- Pontiac Grand Prix, 3800 V6 equipped vehicles beginning with the 2005 model year
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid[14]
- Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid[15]
- Volvo S80 PZEV[16]
Tax incentives
In California, manufacturers of SULEVs can be given a partial credit for producing a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) and so a vehicle of this type can be administratively designated as a partial zero-emissions vehicle (PZEV). 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 a 15-year/150,000 mi (241,402 km) warranty on its emission-control components.
In the case of hybrid vehicles this warranty is extended to the electric propulsion components (electric motor/generator/starter, battery, inverter, controls) and their mechanical interface to the driveline. However, the high-voltage battery warranty is limited to ten years (but still 150,000 miles).
See California AB 1493 .
See also
- US emission standard – Vehicle emission regulations
- Automaker – Organizations involved with motor vehicles
- California Air Resources Board – Clean air agency in California, United States
- Car dealership – Business that sells and trades new or used vehicles
- Ultra-low-emission vehicle
- Partial zero-emissions vehicle – Automobile type
- Zero-emission vehicle – Class of motor vehicle
