Can Hybrid Vehicles Get New Energy License Plates?
2 Answers
Hybrid vehicles can get new energy license plates, but not all hybrid vehicles are eligible for them. Models like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and Honda Hybrid, which are not plug-in hybrid systems, are classified as energy-efficient vehicles in China and cannot obtain new energy license plates. Hybrid vehicles are equipped with two power sources: a thermal power source and an electric power source. By using an electric motor in hybrid vehicles, the power system can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual operating conditions of the vehicle, while the engine operates within a range that ensures good overall performance, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Common types of hybrid vehicles include fuel hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and range-extended hybrid vehicles.
Last year I bought a hybrid car, a BYD plug-in hybrid model with a pure electric range of 70 km, easily qualifying for the new energy green license plate. The policy is clear now—only plug-in hybrids that can be charged via power source and have a pure electric range exceeding 50 km are eligible. Regular hybrids that combine fuel and electricity but lack plug-in functionality, like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, don’t meet the standard. The benefits are substantial, including exemption from purchase tax, no traffic restrictions, and access to many free parking zones. The license plate registration process was simpler than I expected—just bring the car purchase invoice, ID card, and vehicle certification to the DMV, and it was done in a few hours. Before buying, I checked the government’s official website announcement to ensure the model was on the recommended list, as enforcement is getting stricter in many places now.
