Welcome to LEV4ME Maine's Clean Car Program
Car emissions can take air quality from good to
bad to worse.
(Photos courtesy of hazecam.net and NESCAUM)
Did You Know?
Cars and trucks are the largest source of air pollution in Maine. It's true! Vehicle emissions contribute to ozone pollution, acid rain, toxic emissions and global warming, and all are serious threats to the health of Maine families and our environment.
EPA Issues Guidance on Imported Mini Trucks
Recently there has been significant attention on Mini Trucks imported from Japan for use on road as a way to reduce gasoline consumption. For more information see the EPA website. EPA has developed this I & M questions and answers document on the requirements for the importation and use of these mini trucks.
Look for the Label
The Cleaner Cars for Maine Program helps you choose low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles for a cleaner, healthier Maine. Just look for the Cleaner Cars for Maine label to find the most environmentally friendly vehicles at your car dealer's lot. By choosing a car with the label, you'll be doing your share to cut down on harmful toxics and improve air quality in Maine. You'll save money at the fuel pump, too!
The Cleaner Cars for Maine Program is the first of its kind and has been in place in Maine since 1999. The program was developed and is managed by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Maine Auto Dealers Association and the Natural Resources Council of Maine.
What Can You Do?
Transportation consumes about 25 percent of the total energy used in the United States. When people drive, they are responsible for releasing harmful chemicals into the air. When, where, how, why and what you drive all play an important role in affecting air pollution. Here are some suggestions on how to be more environmentally friendly.
When shopping for a vehicle
Change Your Driving Habits
- Drive less when you can, especially during peak traffic periods and on hot days.
- Use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike.
- Combine your errands into one trip.
- Avoid revving or idling your engine longer than 30 seconds.
- Avoid waiting in long drive-through lines. Turn off your car and walk in.
- Accelerate gradually.
- Drive at or below the speed limit.
- Fill gas tank during cooler evening hours, avoid spilling gas and don't "top off" the tank, to cut down on evaporation.
- Minimize the use of air conditioning.
Develop Good Vehicle Maintenance Habits
- Follow your owner's manual on recommendations for maximum economic efficiency.
- Use an energy-conserving (E.C.) grade of motor oil.
- Get regular engine tune-ups and car maintenance checks (especially for the spark plugs).
- Replace your car's air filter and oil regularly. For information go to www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/recycle/recy-oil.pdf
- Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned and buy "low rolling resistance" tires.
- Repair all vehicle leaks.
- Don't ignore the "check engine" or "service engine soon" light if it comes on; make an appointment with your repair technician. For more information, go to: www.epa.gov/obd/questions.htm.
For additional information relating to driving and air pollution, please see these documents:
Cleaner Cars For Maine Sticker
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How does a vehicle qualify for the Cleaner Cars Program?
To qualify for the program a vehicle must be a California Certified Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) or better that gets 30 miles per gallon or greater fuel efficiency. Other qualifying certifications are Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) or a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV).
To allow consumers to make an informed decision and to identify the vehicle emission certification, please refer to a list of commonly used abbreviations on the Clean Car Lists.
LEV |
LEV 1 Low Emission Vehicle |
L2 |
LEV 2 Low Emission Vehicle |
ULEV |
LEV 1 Ultra Low Emission Vehicle |
U2 |
LEV 2 Ultra Low Emission Vehicle |
SULEV |
LEV 1 Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle |
S2 |
LEV 2 Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle |
ZEV |
Zero Emission Vehicle |
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Cleaner Cars List for 2009
Cleaner Cars List for 2008
Cleaner Cars List for 2007
Cleaner Cars List for 2006
Cleaner Cars List for 2005
Cleaner Cars List for 2004
Cleaner Cars List for 2003
Hybrid Vehicles: Included on the Clean Car Lists are an increasing number of "Hybrid" Vehicles. These vehicles are powered by gas and electricity and are the cleanest gasoline vehicles available.
To see what hybrids are available go to hybridcars
Update on Diesel Vehicles in Maine November 20, 2007
Currently there are no diesel passenger cars that meet CA emission standards, with the exception of the Mercedes E320 BlueTec sedan which can be leased only for 2 yrs-24,000 miles:
- The sedan is primarily a Federal Emission vehicle, because the evap emissions do not meet the 150K for durability standards in CA.
- At the end of the lease period, the CA engine label must be removed and the car sold in a Federal Emissions State .
- According to Mercedes there will be other clean diesel vehicles available in late 2008 that will meet a 50-state emission standard.
Medium and heavy-duty vehicles for 2007 model year offered for sale in Maine are:
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 Heavy Duty with a Duramax Diesel V8
- 2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Regular/Quad Cab with a Cummins Turbo diesel HO.
- 2007 Ford Super Duty F-250 with Power Stroke Turbo Diesel
- 2007 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Heavy Duty Turbo diesel V8.
- 2007 Chevrolet Express 2500 Work Van, V8 Duramax diesel
- 2007 Dodge Sprinter Van, V6 Turbo Diesel
- 2007 Ford E-Series Full Size Van, PowerStroke Diesel
Model Year 2008 vehicles expected to be available throughout the 2008 calendar year .
- Mercedes M, R, and GL Class vehicles are expected to meet the 50-State emissions and will be available late in calendar year 2008.
- Volkswagen Jetta Sedan and Wagon with a V6 Clean Diesel TDI.
Models expected within the next few years:
- Acura is considering a diesel sport utility vehicle in the future for the U.S. market.
- In 2009 Audi is planning to offer a diesel A4 Sedan and a Q7 SUV.
- BMW is considering a diesel engine option for their X5 and X3 SUV's as well as the 3 and 5 series sedans.
- Chrysler is planning to use new engines from Cummins in light-duty Dodge pick-ups and Jeep vehicles.
- Ford is aiming to develop the first light-duty diesel truck for the U.S. market by 2010.
- GM is expected to offer a new V8 turbo diesel for the Hummer H2 SUV in 2010. The fuel economy is expected to improve by 30%.
- GM is also planning to have a Cadillac CTS sedan with a V8 diesel engine and a diesel Saturn Aura Sedan.
- Honda is currently developing a strategy for diesel offerings in the US .
- Hyundai is developing a diesel power train system for the 2009 or 2010 Veracruz SUV.
- Nissan is developing a diesel Titan pickup truck for 2009 and a 50-state compliant Maxima Sedan for 2010.
- Volkswagen will introduce the Tiguan billed as a smaller version of the Tuoareg in 2009 and a Passat Sedan in 2009.
Each company will be using its own diesel engine technology.
- Mercedes is perfecting the BlueTec diesel system that uses urea to reduce emissions.
- Ford has a "Ford Clean Diesel Technology" that includes a diesel particulate filter to trap particulates.
- Volkswagen has a new Clean Diesel TDI engine. This new TDI will be offered in the new Jetta in all 50 states.
- GM uses a V8 Duramax turbo-diesel engine for the Hummer H2 and in light duty trucks.
- Cummins offers 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel which is used in the Dodge Ram trucks. This technology uses an oxidation catalyst in combination with managed engine combustion.
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