An ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV) includes any vehicle that emits less than 50g/km of carbon dioxide (CO2) at the tailpipe. They include:
- Pure or battery electric vehicles (EVs or BEVs)
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs)
- Range-extended electric vehicles (E-REVs)
- Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are not ultra low emission vehicles and do not plug in to recharge. A hybrid electric vehicle has an internal combustion engine and a small battery, which is charged when the driver brakes, known as regenerative braking. The battery power either assists the engine or drives the wheels entirely for a very short distance (usually less than a mile). This reduces fuel consumption and emissions, particularly in stop-start driving conditions.
Find out more about electric vehicles and models using these resources:
- A guide to ultra low emission vehicles for fleet managers
- Go Ultra Low (advice for consumers, funded by industry and government)
- OZEV Plug-in car and van grants (includes a list of eligible vehicles)