Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Near-ZEV Weight Exemption

ZEVs and near-ZEVs may exceed the state’s gross vehicle weight limits by an amount equal to the difference of the weight of the near-zero emission or zero emission powertrain and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system, up to 2,000 pounds. A ZEV is defined as a vehicle that produces no criteria pollutant, toxic air contaminant, or greenhouse gas emissions when stationary or operating. A near-ZEV is a vehicle that uses zero emission technologies, uses technologies that provide a pathway to zero emission operations, or incorporates other technologies that significantly reduce vehicle emissions.

(Reference Assembly Bill 1953, 2024 and California Business and Professions Code 12725 and California Vehicle Code 35551 and 35559)

Jurisdiction: California

Type: State Incentives

Enacted: Sep 20, 2018

Amended: Sep 12, 2024

Technologies: EVs, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, Natural Gas, PHEVs

See all California Laws and Incentives.