What does the term "high-polluting models" refer to?

The term "high-polluting models" specifically refers to vehicles that produce excessive emissions, which can include a range of harmful pollutants associated with engine operation. These vehicles often fail to meet environmental regulations due to their contribution to air pollution, including substances like nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. The designation of a vehicle as a high-polluting model is usually based on performance assessments that measure its emissions against established standards.

Electric vehicles, on the other hand, are primarily recognized for their low or zero emissions during operation, making them the opposite of high-polluting models. Vehicles manufactured before 1990 may be more likely to emit higher levels of pollutants due to older technology and less stringent emissions regulations at that time, but not all pre-1990 vehicles are classified as high polluters. Luxury vehicles with larger engines may have higher emissions due to engine size, but this does not universally apply to all such vehicles, as emissions can vary widely based on technology, design, and other factors. Thus, high-polluting models are specifically defined by their excessive emissions during operation, highlighting their direct impact on air quality.