California level Emissions vs Regular

[MatL]

Looking at purchasing an 07 hybrid. Looked at Prius, Civic, Escape, and VUE.

We think that the Prius will be the best fit. We are excited by increased gas mileage compared the the vehicle it is replacing. So we looked up some additional info to compare OVERALL "GREENNESS" of these vehicles.(http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicle/all-rank-07.htm ) and we are also seeing huge decreases in CO and NOx emissions compared to existing vehicle.

However it looks like there are 2 versions of the numbers.... the 'normal' version and the California (and similar state) version. From an ecological standpoint IF I am going to make this change, shouldn't I try to get the BEST possible vehicle?

So it makes me wonder *why* they even have a different version for those of us not in CA (and similar states) at all? Also the Hybrid System warranty seems to be different between the 'normal' and 'California purchased' cars.

IF I can get the same basic deal between MN and CA, why shouldn't I get the more ECO friendly version that isn't available by me... that possibly has a longer warrany?

Are there any issues I should be concerned about purchasing a vehicle across state lines and then driving home and 're-registering'? Anyone else done this or even considered it? Any states in the 'green list' that would have LOWER sales tax / registration fees?



Thanks
mat

[Godiva]

I think there is only one Prius. Everyone gets the California one.

[zqfmbg]

I have no idea regarding why the scores are different.

However, I can explain the warranty difference. In California the car is administratively classified as an AT-PZEV instead of a SULEV, and in order to have that classification, the powertrain must have a 15 year/150k mile warranty.

[Bill Merchant]

The difference is that some states, notably the west coast states and British Columbia in Canada, and some north east states believe that climate change is real, unlike the current Federal administration. The other states meet Federal minimums. There is only one North American model of the Prius, except for daytime running lights in Canada and the Touring suspension. The HSD guts are the same for all.

[mcbrunnhilde]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zqfmbg @ Apr 6 2007, 07:04 PM) [snapback]419167[/snapback]</div>

I have no idea regarding why the scores are different.

However, I can explain the warranty difference. In California the car is administratively classified as an AT-PZEV instead of a SULEV, and in order to have that classification, the powertrain must have a 15 year/150k mile warranty.
[/b]

It's actually the hybrid battery system (and related emissions components), not the powertrain, and it's 10 years/150,000 miles, not 15 years. Thank God for California!!! I wish all states would adopt our forward-thinking environmental regulations that force manufacturers to clean up their act!!!

[hill]

One thing different (from experience) for smog issues is after the fact. In MT for example, your smog equipment can be removed, and no one's the wiser. Drive behind some of the cars up there (even near new ones) and you'll gag on the smell of unburned gas. In CA, the state requires tests every other year. Thus, it must always be installed AND working, or you can't keep it on the road (without certain exceptions to that rule applying to you).

[MatL]

I still think there is something different between the CA and non-CA type cars.

Can't tell if it's a physical difference (slilghtly better catalytic converter or different exhaust manifold) or a software difference (running lean, altering valve timing, or something)... but the fact remains that the numbers are different.

The only other thing I can think of could be that SULEV certification testing and AT-PZEV testing use different methods -- thus giving different results for the numbers for the same car.

I'm hoping that someone out here knows.

Mat

[john1701a]

Fuel varies throughout the country. In the past (before 2006), it was rather blatant. Only certain areas offered low-sulfur gas. So even the SULEV rating was inappropriate in most places, since less sulfur is a must for reaching that 120,000 mile requirement. ULEV is only 100,000. PZEV is 150,000.

Then there's the ethanol blends. Oil sources make a difference too. And of course, each state has an influence on their local refining.

[Squint]

http://www.driveclean.ca.gov/en/gv/drivecl...ssionrating.asp

ZEV
Zero Emission Vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions and are 98% cleaner than the average new model year vehicle.

AT PZEV
Advanced Technology PZEVs meet SULEV tailpipe emission standards, have a 15 year / 150,000 mile warranty, have zero evaporative emissions and include advanced technology components. For example, a plug-in hybrid or a compressed natural gas vehicle would qualify in this category.

PZEV
Partial Zero Emission Vehicles meet SULEV tailpipe emission standards, have a 15 year / 150,000 mile warranty and have zero evaporative emissions.

SULEV
Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles are 90% cleaner than the average new model year vehicle.

ULEV
Ultra Low Emission Vehicles are 50% cleaner than the average new model year vehicle.

LEV
Low Emission Vehicles are the least stringent emission standard for all new cars sold in California in 2004 and beyond.

[MatL]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Apr 7 2007, 09:12 AM) [snapback]419342[/snapback]</div>

Fuel varies throughout the country. In the past (before 2006), it was rather blatant. Only certain areas offered low-sulfur gas. So even the SULEV rating was inappropriate in most places, since less sulfur is a must for reaching that 120,000 mile requirement. ULEV is only 100,000. PZEV is 150,000.

Then there's the ethanol blends. Oil sources make a difference too. And of course, each state has an influence on their local refining.
[/b]

AHA that could be the answer


What you put in definietely can make a difference. I know that in MN we have Holiday that offers a "Blue Planet" branded gasoline... supposedly lower sulfur and results in better emissions. (E10 -- still has 10% ethanol, like all of the gas in MN does) -- amazingly they don't jack up the price, it's within a penny or the same price as the other stations.

Mat