Do Hybrid Cars Belong to the Category of New Energy Vehicles?
2 Answers
Hybrid cars belong to the category of new energy vehicles. The characteristic of hybrid models is that they do not require charging and do not have a pure electric driving mode; their operation is identical to that of conventional fuel-powered vehicles. Although hybrid vehicles are also equipped with battery packs and electric motors, the battery capacity is very small, and the electric motor exists merely to slightly reduce the engine load. Therefore, hybrid cars are only slightly more fuel-efficient than conventional fuel-powered vehicles. Hybrid cars exhibit high fuel economy and superior driving performance. The engine of a hybrid car still uses fuel, but during startup and acceleration, the assistance of the electric motor helps reduce fuel consumption. The internal combustion engine can be shut off, allowing the battery to drive the vehicle alone, achieving zero emissions.
I think hybrid vehicles are not classified as new energy vehicles in terms of policy, because I’ve noticed while researching automotive subsidies that they are excluded in China. The official definition of new energy vehicles, such as pure electric or plug-in hybrids, qualifies them for tax exemptions and green license plates, whereas traditional hybrids like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, despite being fuel-efficient, cannot be charged externally and thus are not categorized as such under policy. Standards vary globally—the EU is sometimes more lenient but primarily promotes zero-emission models. If you’re buying a car for subsidies, choosing pure electric or plug-in hybrids is more cost-effective. Hybrids are just a transitional option, and future regulations may tighten.
