Can Hybrid Vehicles Get Blue License Plates?

[DeGeorge]

Some hybrid vehicles can get blue license plates. Hybrid vehicles are divided into three types: plug-in, range-extended, and conventional hybrid. Plug-in and range-extended hybrids get green plates, while conventional hybrids get blue plates. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are different from conventional hybrid vehicles. Plug-in hybrids have higher-capacity power batteries, which can be charged using an external power source. Conventional hybrid vehicles combine fuel (gasoline or diesel) with electric power, using an electric motor as an auxiliary power source to assist the engine, representing a complementary technology. There are two qualifications for applying for a new energy vehicle license plate: First, the applicant must be registered in China and have sufficient self-owned capital and financing capability to match the project investment. Second, the applicant can only produce "pure electric passenger vehicles," including pure electric and range-extended (series hybrid with external charging capability) passenger vehicles that meet relevant national standards. Only series hybrid passenger vehicles with external charging capability are eligible for green license plates. Conventional hybrid vehicles do not meet this requirement. Conventional hybrid vehicles typically have more than two motors, with the electric motor and internal combustion engine working in a complementary manner. Their characteristic is operating under conditions where each excels, achieving fuel savings without the need for charging. For example, during actions like waiting at traffic lights or stopping, the engine automatically shuts off, relying solely on the electric motor to maintain necessary energy supply to save fuel. When releasing the accelerator or braking, excess energy from the engine and friction from the brake pads are recovered and stored in capacitors. Therefore, conventional hybrid vehicles cannot be considered true new energy vehicles; strictly speaking, they are only energy-saving vehicles.