Can the Honda CR-V Hybrid Get a Green License Plate?
3 Answers
The hybrid CR-V is a non-plug-in hybrid and cannot be classified as a new energy vehicle because it essentially still relies on energy from fuel combustion. Therefore, it does not qualify for a green license plate. More relevant information is as follows: 1. In terms of appearance, the hybrid CR-V is quite conventional, with no major changes compared to the previous model. The most noticeable difference is that the rear end is no longer as raised. For the interior, soft materials are extensively used, providing a good tactile feel, and wood-grain trim panels are added in certain areas to enhance the premium feel. The dashboard features a clear LCD screen, and the center console is equipped with an 8-inch LCD display. 2. In terms of powertrain, it uses a 2.0L four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine paired with a dual-motor (one generator and one electric motor) system, along with an eCVT transmission and a lithium-ion battery pack. The engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 145 hp, while the electric motor provides 184 hp. With the support of the electric motor, acceleration and overtaking performance are both effortless.
As an owner of a CR-V hybrid model, based on my practical experience, while this car is fuel-efficient, it's not a plug-in hybrid but a regular hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), so it cannot qualify for a green license plate. When I bought the car, I checked the policies—China's green license plate requirements are specifically for pure electric or plug-in hybrid models, such as BYD's DM-i, which meet the criteria. The hybrid version of the Honda CR-V falls under the HEV category, with a battery that cannot be charged externally; instead, it relies on the engine to generate electricity for the battery. It drives smoothly and has low fuel consumption, but it doesn't meet the standards for a new energy license plate. If you're looking to buy a hybrid for the green plate, it's better to opt for Honda's plug-in hybrid version, such as the CR-V e:PHEV, which uses a larger battery pack, can be charged via a charging station, and offers stronger range. In short, the regular hybrid CR-V can only get a standard blue license plate, which is a crucial point—I recommend confirming this clearly at the dealership in advance.
As a car enthusiast, let me talk about the technical details of the Honda CR-V hybrid—it uses the i-MMD system, which is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), not a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) type. This means it cannot be charged externally, and the battery is mainly charged by engine regenerative energy, automatically switching modes while driving, with good fuel-saving effects. However, under China's green license policy, green licenses are only issued to pure electric or plug-in hybrid models because those can be connected to charging piles and have lower carbon emissions. Although the Honda CR-V hybrid is environmentally friendly, it does not meet the regulations and can only be registered with a regular license. In comparison, the plug-in e:PHEV version has a larger battery pack, supporting pure electric driving for dozens of kilometers, which meets the standards. Pay attention to this distinction when buying a car, or you might be disappointed. In the long run, hybrid cars save fuel and money, but the subsidies and road privilege benefits that come with green licenses are not available for hybrids.
