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<HTML><HEAD><TITLE>News Release 2003-04-24: ARB Modifies Zero Emission Vehicle Regulation</TITLE>
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    <TD>Release 03-11</TD>
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    <TD vAlign=top><B>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</B> <BR><B>April 24, 2003</B></TD>
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      <CENTER><B>CONTACT:</B></CENTER></TD>
    <TD width="35%">Jerry Martin  <BR>(916) 322-2990  <BR>Richard 
      Varenchik  <BR>(626) 575-6730  
<BR>www.arb.ca.gov</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER><B></B>
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<P><B>ARB Modifies Zero Emission Vehicle Regulation</B></CENTER><B></B>
<P><B>SACRAMENTO</B> - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today voted to 
make modifications and upgrades to the state's <A 
href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/zevprog/zevprog.htm">zero emission vehicle ( 
ZEV) regulation.</A> 
<P>    "The ZEV mandate is the most powerful idea and the most 
motivating force that this board has ever unleashed in the vehicle sector, “ 
said ARB Chairman, Dr. Alan Lloyd. 
<P>    The most important modification creates a new ZEV pathway, 
giving manufacturers a choice of two options for meeting their ZEV requirements. 

<P>    Auto manufacturers can meet their ZEV obligations by 
meeting standards that are similar to the ZEV rule as it existed in 2001. This 
means using a formula allowing a vehicle mix of 2 percent pure ZEVs, 2 percent 
AT-PZEVs (vehicles earning advanced technology partial ZEV credits) and 6 
percent PZEVs (extremely clean conventional vehicles). The ZEV obligation is 
based on the number of passenger cars and small trucks a manufacturer sells in 
California. 
<P>    Or, manufacturers may chose a new alternative ZEV 
compliance strategy, meeting part of their ZEV requirement by producing their 
sales-weighted market share of approximately 250 fuel cell vehicles by 2008. The 
remainder of their ZEV requirements could be achieved by producing 4 percent 
AT-PZEVs and 6 percent PZEVs.  The required number of fuel cell vehicles 
will increase to 2,500 from 2009-11, 25,000 from 2012-14 and 50,000 from 2015 
through 2017. Automakers can substitute battery electric vehicles for up to 50 
percent of their fuel cell vehicle requirements. 
<P>    With the ZEV regulations on hold for 2003-04 because of 
automaker lawsuits, the above requirements will not fully go into effect until 
2005.  However, automakers can receive credit for any ZEV, PZEV or AT-PZEV 
vehicles they choose to sell or lease in 2003-04. 
<P>    ARB will appoint an independent review panel of 
technology/industry experts with no financial ties to motor vehicle 
manufacturers to report on ZEV technology progress, costs and consumer 
acceptance.  In addition, ARB staff will report annually on the progress of 
the ZEV program. <BR>  
<P>    Chairman Lloyd continued, “Over the last 13 years since 
the ZEV mandate was first adopted, we’ve seen the near impossible accomplished 
with gasoline vehicles: zero evaporative emissions, exceedingly clean exhaust – 
cleaner, in some cases, than the outside air entering the cabin for ventilation 
purposes, and emission control systems that are twice as durable than their 
conventional forebearers, forecasted to last an astonishing 150,000 miles.” 
<CENTER><B>ZEV Rule Vehicle Types</B></CENTER>
<P>    Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV):  A vehicle that 
essentially produces no emissions as it operates.  Currently, this would 
mean a pure battery electric (not a hybrid) or a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. 
<P>    Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle 
(AT-PZEV): An AT-PZEV is a vehicle that uses some ZEV technology.  
Currently, there are no AT-PZEVs available to consumers. Staff expects that 
certain gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles and natural gas vehicles will be 
certified in the AT-PZEV class.  A plug-in hybrid could also qualify as an 
AT-PZEV. 
<P>    Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV): These are vehicles 
that have achieved the ARB's cleanest tailpipe emission standard -- the Super 
Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard.  In addition, they have nearly 
zero evaporative emissions and their emission control equipment is warranted for 
15 years/150,000 miles. There are at least 10 vehicles currently eligible to 
earn a partial ZEV credit.  They are listed under 2003 passenger cars in 
the ARB's Clean Car Buyer's Guide at www.arb.ca.gov. 
<P><I>The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental 
Protection Agency.  ARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, 
welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants 
while recognizing and considering effects on the economy.  The ARB oversees 
all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health 
based air quality standards.</I><B></B> 
<P><B> The energy challenge facing California is real.  Every 
Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a 
list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our 
website at http://www.arb.ca.gov</B> <BR><B></B>  <BR>  <BR>
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