According to an article on MSN Autos, we may not necessarily need to switch to Hybrids or alternative fueled vehicles to save the planet. Instead, we could just drive PZEVs (Partial Zero Emission Vehicles). These vehicles are often just derivatives of regular cars that have extra equipment that reduce the bad emissions of a vehicle. Some by over 90%. (FYI: Many of these vehicles are actually classifies as SULEV, or Super Low Emission Vehicles, for more information on Vehicle Emission classes, click here.)
Why haven’t you heard of this? (Maybe you have, I’ve heard of LEV & ULEV, but not PZEV), well, it’s not like auto makers want you to know about it. They’ve been spending billions of dollars or research, development and manufacturing to make Hybrid Cars the next big thing. I mean, if they offered you a car that used the same fuel you get now, for say $150-$400 more on the sticker price, that had lower emissions than many hybrids, what would you buy?
Most would probably by the non-hybrid, they can cost thousands more than the PZEV variety, even with the tax incentives.
Also, for some reason it seems it is illegal for car companies, dealers & even consumers to sell a PZEV car outside of certain states in the US (Notably, California, New York, etc..), you can be fined up to $27,500 says the MSN Autos article for doing so.
I’m not sure what the deal is here in Canada, but I don’t think I’ve seen a PZEV car here.
I’m also not sure of how the technology in these cars works, do they have scrubbers that remove the bad emissions, is it specialized engine parts? better seals, etc?
Anyway, good stuff to know if your looking for a car…
My buddy, Izaak, also sent me information on a technology that uses a technique to turn water (and other liquids) into plasma to help reduce fuel consumption by 2/3, while increasing the power output of the engine. Its mostly being targeted for now at Marine engines.
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