Classic Kia’s Automotive Terminology Decoder

Jan 12, 2022

Shopping for a vehicle isn’t generally a part of our day-to-day routine, and not even our weekly or monthly ones! So it stands to reason most folks may not be familiar with all of the new lingo and terminology for the automotive industry. That’s why we’re bringing you a helpful guide to understanding all things automotive with the Classic Auto Group Decoder! Learn the tips and tricks of the trade from the experts in the field, and you’ll be very prepared for your next sale or purchase.

Today we’re discussing all things environmentally friendly, and covering alternative fuel and energy sources, and defining PZEV/ZEV in layman’s terms. Check it out!

AT-PZEV
- Advanced technology-partial zero emission vehicle. An emissions standard that meets PZEV requirements and has additional zero-emissions characteristics, such as operation by natural gas or hybrid vehicle batteries.
DUAL-MODE HYBRID
- A hybrid vehicle with two different drive systems, referred to as Modes. In the first mode the vehicles runs solely on an electric motor powered by the vehicles battery system. When the electric-only mode is low on power, or during harder acceleration and faster speeds, a gasoline engine mode will initiate. The second Mode uses a gasoline engine to help power the vehicle and recharge the electrical system batteries.
EMISSIONS SCORE
- A score from zero to 10 given by the EPA to each new vehicle that represents the amount of total emissions produced during a laboratory driving simulation of the vehicle.
GAS/ELECTRIC HYBRID ENGINE
- A powertrain that combines an electric motor and a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine.
PZEV
- Partial zero emission vehicle. A vehicle that has zero evaporative emissions and meets the EPA?s SULEV standard.
ZEV
- Zero emission vehicle. The most restrictive emissions standard.