Can the Avalon Hybrid Get a Green License Plate?

[OSadie]

Avalon Hybrid cannot get a green license plate as it is a hybrid vehicle and currently still requires a blue license plate. The FAW Toyota Avalon is built on Toyota's TNGA platform and positioned as a mid-size sedan. Initially, it offers two powertrain options: a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine and a 2.5L hybrid system. The Avalon is a mid-size sedan with dimensions of 4975mm in length, 1850mm in width, and 1450mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2870mm. The front suspension uses a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension employs an E-type multi-link independent suspension, a common feature among vehicles under this platform.

[Jan]

Speaking of whether the Asian Dragon Hybrid can get a green license plate, as a car enthusiast, I have to tell you: it's primarily a traditional hybrid vehicle from Toyota, not a plug-in hybrid, so in most cities, it indeed can't qualify for the green new energy license plate. China's green license plate policy requires vehicles to be either pure electric or plug-in hybrid, capable of charging. Traditional hybrids only burn fuel, with electricity generated by the internal combustion engine, and without an external charging port, they don't meet the standards. I've looked into many similar models, like the Levin plug-in version, which can get a green plate, whereas the Asian Dragon Hybrid saves fuel by combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor but doesn't meet the new energy policy standards. The upside is that it's incredibly fuel-efficient for daily driving, with smooth power delivery—long-distance driving can see fuel consumption as low as over 5 liters, and maintenance is straightforward without the need to hunt for charging stations every day. The downside? If you're aiming for a green plate, you might have to look elsewhere. It's advisable to check local policies first; strict cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are stringent, while smaller places might be more lenient or have loopholes.

[Ava]

From a policy perspective, let me analyze for you: The fact that the Avalon Hybrid can't get a green license plate is a major drawback. As someone who deals with regulations daily, in China, green license plates are only issued to genuine new energy vehicles, such as pure electric or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, because national subsidy policies prioritize promoting zero-emission and rechargeable technologies. Conventional hybrid models like the Avalon Hybrid, where the electric motor only assists the internal combustion engine without external charging capability, don't meet the emission requirements for green plates. You need to check the vehicle type—Toyota only had the Camry and RAV4 plug-in versions eligible for green plates in 2023. While buying it does save fuel and money (I've done the math—city driving gives you about 5-6 liters per 100km), you won't enjoy traffic restriction exemptions, and in major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, you might still need to enter the license plate lottery. My suggestion is to consider your usage: if you're solely aiming for environmental benefits and carbon reduction, it's a good choice; otherwise, directly consider models like the BYD Qin Plus or Tesla, which easily qualify for green plates with no hassle.

[Alexis]

Last year, I bought an Asian Dragon Hybrid (non-plug-in) and was quite disappointed to find out it couldn’t qualify for a green license plate. When I picked up the car, I thought I could save on the license plate fee, but after checking with the DMV, I learned that non-plug-in hybrids don’t count as new energy vehicles—only standard blue plates are issued. The car drives smoothly, with low fuel consumption and minimal noise, making it economical for daily commutes. However, since it doesn’t charge and relies solely on gasoline to power the motor, it doesn’t meet the green plate standards. The upside is cheap maintenance—no major issues in four years. The downside is that in cities with traffic restrictions, it’s treated like a regular fuel car and has to queue up. If you’re counting on a green plate to save money, don’t bank on this one. But if you want fuel efficiency without the hassle of charging, it’s worth considering. Check with local 4S stores for policy differences—some smaller cities have looser rules, and you might just slip through.

[DeJasmine]

As an expert in fuel-efficient commuting, I think the Avalon Hybrid is quite suitable for family use, but getting a green license plate is almost impossible. It's a traditional hybrid without a charging port, so it doesn't qualify as a new energy vehicle under current policies, meaning no green plate or exemption from the license plate lottery. The core reason: China's green plate policy requires plug-in hybrid or pure electric technology to reduce carbon emissions; this car relies on an internal combustion engine for power generation, offering only about 25% fuel savings, which doesn't meet the standard. As for its strengths, I recommend it for its stability, reliability, and low maintenance. On long trips, it averages around 6 liters per 100 km. If license plates are a concern, consider the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in or pure electric models—they qualify for green plates and are more eco-friendly. In practical use, city commuting can save a lot on fuel costs, but don't expect lottery benefits. Before buying, check regional policy differences—cities like Chengdu or Hangzhou have slightly looser rules, so there might be a chance to snag a green plate.