Can the Highlander Get a Green License Plate?
3 Answers
The hybrid version of the Highlander cannot get a green license plate. Below are the relevant details: 1. Positioning: The Highlander is a large SUV produced by Toyota, featuring a spacious body and innovative, roomy interior. It also comes equipped with the highest standard safety features in its class. 2. Interior: The Toyota Highlander boasts a wide body, innovative and spacious interior, along with luxurious and comfortable furnishings. Additionally, it is equipped with top-tier safety features for its class. 3. Powertrain: The Highlander is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine delivering up to 201 kW of output, paired with a stepped 5-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth acceleration, excellent fuel economy, and an enjoyable driving experience.
Regarding the question of whether the Highlander can get a green license plate, as a veteran who has followed automotive policies for many years, I’d like to share some insights. Green license plates are specifically designed for new energy vehicles, requiring either pure electric or plug-in hybrid models to qualify, with the latter needing a pure electric range of at least 50 kilometers. The Toyota Highlander sold domestically is primarily a hybrid version, but it falls under the HEV category—it doesn’t support plug-in charging, and its pure electric mode can only cover short distances, completely failing to meet policy standards. This means in cities with license plate restrictions like Beijing and Shanghai, you won’t enjoy benefits such as exemption from the lottery or purchase tax; instead, you’ll have to spend more for a blue plate. Recalling my experience helping friends buy cars, the Highlander always faced limitations on this point, ultimately leading them to choose the BYD Tang DM plug-in hybrid to secure a green plate. If you’re considering the Highlander, don’t expect a green plate for the standard model—unless Toyota releases a plug-in version, though none has appeared in the mainstream market. In short, checking the new energy vehicle catalog before choosing a car is the more reliable approach.
I looked into the green license plate issue with the Highlander when I bought my car. Green plates are for pure electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles that can be charged, offering benefits like tax savings and faster registration. However, the hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander doesn't require plug-in charging, has very short pure electric range, and doesn't qualify as a new energy vehicle under policy, so it can't get a green plate. I asked the 4S store salesperson, and they said the Highlander comes standard with an HEV system, with a small battery that can't meet the 50 km standard. This made me give up on the Highlander and switch to buying a Li ONE plug-in hybrid, which smoothly got a green plate. If you really like this car, you'll have to accept a regular blue plate and additional costs; but from a practicality standpoint, plug-in hybrid SUVs like the Lynk & Co 09 better meet green plate requirements. I recommend checking the official website for the vehicle list or consulting the DMV to confirm the policy.
