The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted on April 24, 2003, to modify its zero emission vehicle (ZEV) program, but will still require that automakers sell a certain number of ZEVs beginning in 2005. The revised program calls for automakers to sell a certain number of fuel cell vehicles -- rather than battery-electrics -- beginning in 2005 and allows for the production of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles to fulfill part of the program's requirements. The biggest change to the program is a new compliance option that will require manufacturers to produce 250 fuel cell vehicles by 2008. The remainder of the requirements could be met with 4 percent production of AT PZEVs and 6 percent PZEVs. (See sidebar below for more information on ZEV Rule Vehicle Classifications.) The fuel cell requirement jumps to 2,500 from 2009-2011; 25,000 from 2012-2014; and 50,000 from 2015-2017. Automakers can subsititute battery-electric vehicles for up to half of their fuel cell mandates. Although the requirements do not take effect until 2005, manufacturers will receive credit for any ZEV, AT PZEV, and PZEV vehicles they sell in 2003 and 2004. ZEV Rule Vehicle ClassificationsZero Emission Vehicle (ZEV): A vehicle that essentially produces no emissions as it operates. Currently, this would include a pure battery electric (not a hybrid) or a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. 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. CARB expects 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. Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV): These are vehicles that have achieved the CARB's cleanest tailpipe emission standard -- the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard. They have nearly zero evaporative emissions and their emission control equipment is warranted for 15 years/150,000 miles.
CARB Revises Zero-Emission Vehicle Program
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted on April 24, 2003, to modify its zero emission vehicle (ZEV) program, but will still require that automakers sell a certain number of ZEVs beginning in 2005.
More Operations

BBL Fleet Acquires Velcor Leasing Corporation
BBL Fleet expanded its footprint in the fleet management industry with the acquisition of Velcor Leasing Corporation of Madison through a stock purchase agreement finalized Feb. 27, 2026.
Read More →
Lytx Introduces New AI Fleet Technologies at Protect 2026
The company introduced new AI-driven fleet safety and operations technologies during its annual user conference.
Read More →
Fleet Costs Are Rising: Here’s How Leaders Are Responding
Fleet leaders are under pressure to reduce costs, adapt to economic uncertainty, and make smarter decisions. See how peers across North America are responding with real data, proven strategies, and forward-looking insights. Download the 2026 Market Pulse Report to benchmark your strategy and uncover where you can gain an edge.
Read More →From Waffle House to AI: Fleet Trends You Need to Know
In this AF news recap, host Faith Howell covers how Waffle House stepped up during disaster response and new AI tech on the market.
Read More →Fleet Operations in the Age of AI: Navigating Ethical and Legal Challenges
AI is no longer a future concept for fleets—it’s already embedded in the tools, data, and decisions that operators rely on every day. In this episode of the Fleet Forward Podcast, recorded live at Fleet Forward, industry leaders take the conversation beyond hype to examine what responsible AI adoption really looks like in fleet operations.
Read More →Factory Installed vs. Aftermarket: Choosing the Right Telematics Path & Managing the Data
As fleets rethink how they capture, manage, and act on vehicle data, telematics is at a major inflection point. In this episode of the Fleet Forward Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most pressing questions facing fleet leaders today: Should you rely on OEM factory-installed connectivity, aftermarket devices, or a hybrid of both?
Read More →
What Real-Time Data Reveals About EV Cost, Performance, and Scalability
Experts from telematics analytics, fleet-as-a-service operations, and national EV benchmarking share how real-time data is reshaping fleet strategy—dispelling assumptions, validating best practices, and exposing costly missteps.
Read More →
Planning Through Policy Shifts: What Fleets Must Track in 2026
A powerhouse panel featuring experts from the American Automotive Leasing Association, CalSTART, and municipal fleet leadership dives into the realities of navigating shifting emissions rules, regulatory waivers, federal agency actions, the future of the EPA’s endangerment finding, and the push for unified standards. They also examine the impacts of tariffs, autonomous vehicle policy, battery innovation, and the accelerating global EV market.
Read More →
Managing Market Turbulence with Strategic Fleet Insights
This episode kicks off with a deep dive into the technologies and market forces reshaping today’s fleet landscape. Host Chris Brown is joined by Laolu Adeola (Leke Services), Tyson Jomini (J.D. Power), and Richard Hall (ZappiRide) to break down real-world data, shifting incentives, and practical strategies fleet leaders can use right now.
Read More →
Adapting Fleet Policy When Disasters Strike
In the middle of natural disasters fleet managers must shift priorities to protect people and assets. What policy items should be loosened, and when should the line be held?
Read More →