Can hybrid cars get green license plates?
2 Answers
Hybrid cars cannot get green license plates. Here is an introduction about green license plates for cars: 1. Currently, only three types of vehicles can be registered with green license plates: pure electric, extended-range electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. 2. The engines of hybrid electric vehicles still use fuel as the main power source. Only series hybrid passenger vehicles with external charging capabilities are eligible to apply for green license plates, while conventional hybrid electric vehicles do not meet this requirement. Here are the qualification conditions for applying for new energy vehicle license plates: 1. The applicant must be registered in China and have sufficient self-owned capital and financing capabilities commensurate with the project investment. 2. The applying enterprise can only produce pure electric passenger vehicles, including pure electric and extended-range types, i.e., series hybrid passenger vehicles with external charging capabilities, and must meet relevant national standards.
Last time I accompanied a friend to the DMV to handle the procedures, I finally understood this matter. Now, pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles can directly get green license plates, but regular hybrids can't—those that rely solely on the gasoline engine to charge. Plug-in hybrids must have a charging port, and the battery range must exceed 50 kilometers. In cities with license plate restrictions like Beijing and Shanghai, green plates are crucial—they exempt you from the lottery and save you the bidding fee. However, some cities will tighten their policies next year. For example, Shanghai may no longer offer free green plates for plug-in hybrids. It's best to check the latest local policies before buying a car and not be fooled by salespeople. I've seen someone buy a hybrid vehicle only to find out they couldn't get a green plate, leading to a heated argument at the DMV.
