Are New Energy Vehicles Subject to Traffic Restrictions?
2 Answers
New energy vehicles are not subject to traffic restrictions, but this depends on the specific local traffic regulations. New energy vehicles refer to automobiles that use unconventional vehicle fuels as power sources or conventional vehicle fuels with new types of on-board power devices, integrating advanced technologies in vehicle power control and driving. These vehicles feature advanced technical principles, new technologies, and innovative structures. New energy vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles, pure electric vehicles, solar-powered vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, and other high-efficiency energy storage vehicles such as those using supercapacitors or flywheels. The definition also covers natural gas-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, methanol-powered vehicles, and clean gasoline vehicles that meet the strictest emission and fuel efficiency standards.
Driving new energy vehicles here is indeed quite convenient, as they are mostly exempt from traffic restrictions. In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, green license plate vehicles are given the green light, allowing them to avoid the license plate restrictions that affect traditional fuel vehicles on weekdays. They can still hit the road during peak hours. However, on particularly congested roads or special occasions like heavily polluted days, traffic authorities might temporarily adjust policies, so it's best to keep an eye on local traffic apps. Several of my friends have switched to electric cars for this convenience, saving over half an hour on their daily commutes. Also, during holidays, it's important to note the highway toll-free rules, as some provinces have different preferential policies for new energy vehicles.
