Are Hybrid Vehicles Considered New Energy Vehicles?
2 Answers
Hybrid vehicles are considered new energy vehicles. Below is additional information: Introduction to Hybrid Vehicles: These include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), hydrogen engine vehicles, as well as gas-powered vehicles and alcohol-ether vehicles. Hybrid vehicles combine fuel (gasoline or diesel) with electric power, utilizing an electric motor as an auxiliary power source to drive the vehicle. This represents a complementary technology that leverages the strengths of both systems. The primary power source in a hybrid vehicle is the internal combustion engine, supplemented by a secondary power source—the battery. The combination of these two sources enhances energy efficiency. The electric motor, which assists the engine, can provide strong and smooth power during normal driving conditions. Advantages of Hybrid Vehicles: Hybrid vehicles offer superior fuel economy and excellent driving performance. While they still rely on fuel for the engine, the assistance of the electric motor during acceleration and starting helps reduce fuel consumption. In simple terms, compared to conventional vehicles of similar size, hybrid vehicles incur lower fuel costs.
My mom also struggled with this when buying a car. Strictly speaking, regular hybrid vehicles aren't classified as new energy vehicles in China - the key factor is whether they can be charged externally. Take Toyota's hybrids for example: they run on electricity at low speeds but still rely on gasoline, and get blue license plates. True new energy vehicles must be either pure electric or plug-in hybrids like BYD's DM-i models that can drive dozens of kilometers on pure electric power from external charging - these qualify for green plates and subsidies. From an energy-saving perspective though, regular hybrids do cut fuel consumption by half compared to pure gasoline cars, and the technology is quite advanced. They just don't qualify for new energy vehicle benefits policy-wise, so buyers need to understand these policy distinctions clearly.
