What Is a PZEV Engine?
Subaru PZEV technology, an acronym for “near-zero emission vehicle“, is an uncompromisingly eco-friendly solution at a very low cost. While Subaru PZEV models run on regular unleaded gasoline, they offer clear environmental benefits in reducing smog without compromising fuel economy. Their dynamic performance is also equivalent to that of non-PZEV cars and SUVs, whether hybrid, diesel or alternative fuel models. The environment and the driver are both winners!
PZEV models are among the cleanest running gasoline vehicles in Canada. They have been designed to meet California’s air quality standards, which are the strictest in North America. PZEV models must meet SULEV (super-low emission vehicle) exhaust standards and produce absolutely no fuel vapour emissions.
How does a PZEV engine work?
With Subaru PZEV vehicles, smog-forming emissions are significantly reduced through modifications to four key mechanical components.
Catalytic converter
The Subaru PZEVs are distinguished first of all by their catalytic converter. This is made of a large sieve of ultra-fine cells and coated with a thin layer of metal catalysts. In the end, its contact surface is twice as large as that of a conventional catalytic converter, allowing it to better reduce emissions.
Fuel injectors
Subaru PZEV fuel injectors are significantly more airtight than conventional injectors. This allows them to better retain fuel vapor emissions that can be caused during gasoline combustion.
Dual filtration air intake system
On a conventional car, unburned fuel vapors escape through the air intake when the engine is turned off. The Subaru PZEV counters this phenomenon by adopting an activated carbon tank in the air intake to absorb these vapors.
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Emissions are more polluting during “cold” starts. Subaru corrects this by reprogramming the engine control module to make the exhaust gases warmer and thus accelerate the catalytic converter’s rise in temperature. Once again, the result is a drastic reduction in emissions.
Subaru models equipped with a PZEV engine
As proof of its commitment to protecting the environment, Subaru offers PZEV technology on the 2020 Impreza, 2020 Crosstrek, 2020 Outback and 2020 Legacy.
