11/20/2023 • 5 min

What is the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Program?

Learn about the ZEV program and widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles in the US. Discover how ZEV states regulate the scheme and how it works.
What is the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Program?

 

Electric vehicle sales in the US have skyrocketed in recent years, with 2022 seeing over 918,000 units sold. That number more than doubled compared to 2018, so it looks like the roads of the US are turning a little greener with EVs year by year. With the adoption of zero-emission vehicles growing, programs are being introduced to further expand the network.

The Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program is a state initiative created to help meet pollutant reduction goals. Its aim is to encourage the wider use of zero-emission vehicles, and to regulate current EVs on the market to ensure they meet emissions standards.

Jump to:

 

When did the ZEV program start?

In 1990, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) began a ZEV program. This arose as part of low-emission vehicle regulations – which have naturally changed over the years to adapt to today’s EVs and climate requirements.

Over the years, the initiative has expanded beyond the California EV mandate, across the US. Today, each involved state uses the program to meet its individual emissions targets. For example, in CA, they have a target for all new vehicles to be clean plug-in hybrids and 100% emission-free by 2035.

Today, the ZEV program not only creates regulations regarding the sale and use of EVs, but also the manufacturing. Now, one of its main aims is to make zero-emission cars more affordable, to help encourage wider-scale use.

What’s more, every few years, the ZEV Task Force at the US Department of Energy publishes a new action plan to keep the program up to date. This was formed in 2013, when eight states signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the adoption of ZEVs. The department now also offers a pilot program and funding to help businesses, such as airports, join the initiative.

What is a zero-emissions vehicle?

A zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) is a type of vehicle that doesn’t emit pollutants – rather than those with gas-powered internal combustion engines. ZEVs may include hydrogen fuel cell and, more commonly, battery-electric vehicles (EVs or BEVs). There are also near-zero-emission vehicles, for example plug-in hybrids (HEVs or PHEVs), which use both battery and gas power.

Each ZEV will have its own pros and cons, and will be suited to different lifestyles. For example, HEVs tend to be cheaper than EVs, and may be better for driving longer distances. Meanwhile, although more expensive to buy, fully electric vehicles may save you more money in the long term, as gas prices are often high and volatile.

 

Which states are part of the ZEV program?

There are currently 13 US states involved in the ZEV program. These are :

  • California – the first ZEV state. Created the scheme in 1990 and signed the initial MOU in 2013. The state is committed to a 2035 deadline for all new vehicles to be 100% emission-free.

Learn more about electric vehicle regulations in California

 

  • Colorado – joined the task force and adopted ZEV standards in 2019. From 2027, the state has ruled that all manufacturers must make a certain percentage of ZEVs available.

Learn more about EV regulations in Colorado

 

  • Connecticut – signed the ZEV MOU to join the task force in 2020. Like the majority of task force states, Connecticut is also committed to the 2035 100% emission-free new vehicle promise. It’s also aiming for 90% cleaner emissions from gas vehicles.

Learn more about electric vehicle regulations in Connecticut

  • Maine – originally opted out of an early ZEV program in 2000, but opted back in during 2004. Signed the MOU in 2020. Maine is also committed to the 2035 deadline. It has also recently updated its EV rebate policy to encourage further uptake.

Learn more about EV regulations in Maine

 

  • Maryland – pledged its commitment to the ZEV program in 2007 and signed the original MOU in 2013. Has a 2025 goal of having 300,000 ZEVs on its roads.

 

Learn more about electric vehicle regulations in Maryland

 

 

Learn more about EV regulations in Massachusetts

 

  • Minnesota – became the first Midwestern state to agree to the initiative in 2021. The state has a set goal of seeing 20% of its light-duty cars with electricity by 2030. It’s looking for 50% of these to be hybrid, and 50% to be fully electric .

 

Learn more about electric vehicle regulations in Minnesota

 

  • New Jersey – adopted some ZEV regulations in 2004 and signed the task force MOU in 2021. It’s another state that’s committed to the 2035 deadline for all new cars to be zero-emission . It has also created the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP).

 

Learn more about EV regulations in New Jersey

  • New York – one of the original MOU states to sign in 2013. It introduced its Green Rides program in 2023, which commits to ensuring all its capital’s for-hire vehicles are either ZEVs or wheelchair accessible by 2030.

 

Learn more about electric vehicle regulations in New York

 

  • Oregon – another of the original eight states on the 2013 task force. Its Department of Environmental Quality has set a goal of 2026 for 35% of new cars, SUVs and trucks to have zero tailpipe emissions. The state also offers rebates to help people buy EVs.

 

Learn more about EV regulations in Oregon

 

  • Rhode Island – signed up to the ZEV task force in 2013. Like its fellow signees, the state hopes that all new cars by 2035 will be emission-free . RI also offers rebates, and is part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI).

 

Learn more about electric vehicle regulations in Rhode Island

 

  • Vermont – another to originally sign the ZEV MOU in 2013.  Vermont is aiming to have 27,000 PHEVs on its roads by 2025, and 126,000 by 2030. The state is currently leading the way in terms of incentives and rebates, so there’s plenty of support when looking to buy an electric vehicle.

 

Learn more about EV regulations in Vermont

 

  • Washington – the state joined the task force in 2020. Washington is another state that is committed to having all new vehicles be ZEVs by 2035. The state has also agreed to mark exclusive EV and HEV bays to ensure fair charging access.

 

Learn more about electric vehicle regulations in Washington

It’s also worth noting that the District of Columbia, Delaware and Pennsylvania are not currently on the ZEV task force. However, they do follow California’s LEV standards .

 

How does the ZEV program work?

The ZEV program applies to vehicle manufacturers in the states that adhere to it. This sets the ground rules for the regulations each maker has to follow in order to meet local emissions commitments.

The initiative assigns each manufacturer ‘ZEV credits’, which are earned with each zero (or near-zero) emissions vehicle sold. The number of points differs depending on the type of battery used and type of ZEV.

Manufacturers are expected to maintain these points at a set percentage alongside gas-powered vehicle sales. This percentage is set by the state each year in line with their revised regulations.

Which manufacturers are part of the ZEV program?

The manufacturers that must adhere to the ZEV regulations in the task force states are:

*subject to individual regulation regarding plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)

Summary

The ZEV program is currently adopted across 13 states. Others may adhere to less stringent regulations, but are still on board when it comes to the widespread use of EVs.

As more states warm to the program, the more attractive incentives begin to look for those wanting to invest in a ZEV. Many local authorities across the country have introduced generous electric vehicle rebates and designated electric zones to encourage the widescale adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

More recently, the US Government’s Sustainability Plan promised the biggest federal agency transition to ZEVs by 2027, illustrating the country’s commitment to the future of the initiative.

Explore our fleet and rent an electric vehicle wit Hertz today