Light Economic Vehicle

Light Economic Vehicle, commonly referred to as LEV, is an North Ottonian vehicle class for the smallest class of motor vehicle permitted on Federal highways. The classification includes provisions for passenger cars as well as vans, trucks, and other small commercial vehicles. Vehicles which adhere to LEV standards are subject to tax, insurance, and regulatory advantages.

The classification was created via legislation enacted in 1950 following the end of the Ottonian Revolution. The standards have been revised multiple times since then, and at present, to fall within LEV standards, a vehicle may be no more than 1.5 m in width, 2 m in height, 3.5 m in length, and may not have an engine displacement exceeding 1.0 L.

Due to a relatively limited market for such vehicles, most are manufactured in Ottonia. However, due to the existence of the similar (and more strict) kei category in the Daitoa Republic, Daitoan kei vehicles are sometimes sold in Ottonia as LEV's, and many Ottonian-built LEV's are manufactured in a kei-compliant variant for sale in Daitoa.

Vehicles which comply with LEV standards are sold with lighter taxes at point of sale, are taxed less on an annual basis, and are subject to relaxed parking requirements. LEV's make up an estimated 1/3 of all new vehicle sales in Ottonia, and as much as 40% of vehicles currently in operation.