Landmark Ford’s Blog

These days you hear everyone talking about how we need to be “green” and the different types of fuel and emissions of vehicles.  But do you feel comfortable with what they are talking about?  Here is a crash course in some of the most popular terms you may hear when looking at new vehicles.

• E85-a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, used in only compatible vehicles.
• Flexible Fuel Vehicle- a vehicle that is capable of operating on an alternative fuel, like ethanol or methanol, and on gasoline.  (example: Ford F150)
• Hybrid Electric Vehicle- combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor for improved fuel economy and/or performance than a conventional gasoline engine vehicle.  It may also contain regenerative braking to charge the electric motor battery, shut down the gasoline engine when stopped and operate partly on just the electric motor.  (example: Escape Hybrid)
• Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) – designations are applicable only to vehicles that are to be registered and/or operated in states that have adopted the California emissions standards.  These designations can be followed by a I or II indicating compliance with the first or second version of the emission standard.  Version II replaced version I will more stringent standards. (examples: Escape 2.3L/3.0L, F150, Mustang Bullitt/Shelby, and Ranger 4.0L)
• Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) – reduces hydrocarbon emissions by 46% from the LEV standards, and is the standard that the average 2008 model year meets. (examples: Edge, Fusion 3.0L, Explorer, Expedition, and Sport Trac)
• Super Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) – gives off substantially lower levels of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides compared to a conventional vehicle and is 75% cleaner than the average vehicle.  (examples: Escape Hybrid, Focus (Duratec 20E), Taurus, Taurus X, Fusion 2.3L)
• Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) – have the least impact on air quality of any vehicle that uses a gasoline engine.  Vehicles certified PZEV are sold in “California Emissions States” and their bordering states.  They meet a very strict standard that establishes very low combined tailpipe emissions and zero fuel-based emissions by virtually eliminating the escape of fuel vapor.  They produce 76% les smog-forming emissions than the average new car.  For example, the Focus PZEV would have to be driven more than 2,100 miles or five trips between L.A. and San Francisco, to equal the emissions produced by an hour’s use of the leading 5.4-horsepower lawn mower!!
• Advanced Techonology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) – not only meets both the SULEV and PZEV standards, but also uses some innovative new technology that helps improve fuel mileage.  Hybrid drivetrain components are a good example, like the Escape Hybrid.
• Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) – offers zero tailpipe and evaporative emissions and does not require any emission-control systems that can deteriorate over time.  These vehicles include hydrogen fuel cell vehicles or battery electric vehicles.  Ford currrently operates a number of fuel cell vehicles in California, Florida, Michigan, Canada and Germany.