Do Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles Belong to the New Energy Vehicle Category?
4 Answers
According to the "MIIT Document No. 39," plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are classified as new energy vehicles, alongside pure electric vehicles. Previously, the narrow definition of new energy vehicles in the industry mainly included pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles, all of which fall under the new energy vehicle category. The following is an extended explanation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and new energy vehicles: 1. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a type of new energy vehicle that bridges the gap between pure electric vehicles and traditional fuel-powered vehicles. It features components from both: a traditional internal combustion engine, transmission system, fuel system, and fuel tank, as well as a pure electric vehicle's battery, electric motor, control circuit, and a larger-capacity battery with a charging port. PHEVs combine the advantages of pure electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), enabling zero-emission driving in pure electric mode while also extending the vehicle's range through hybrid operation. 2. New energy vehicles refer to automobiles that utilize unconventional vehicle fuels as their power source (or use conventional vehicle fuels with new types of onboard power systems), integrating advanced technologies in vehicle power control and drive systems to achieve advanced technical principles, new technologies, and innovative structures. New energy vehicles encompass four main types: hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), pure electric vehicles (BEVs, including solar-powered vehicles), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and other new energy vehicles (such as those using supercapacitors, flywheels, or other high-efficiency energy storage devices).
Recently, I switched to a plug-in hybrid vehicle and found that people often ask me this question. Actually, according to national regulations, plug-in hybrids with a pure electric range of over 50 kilometers are classified as new energy vehicles. My car runs entirely on electricity for daily commuting and only uses fuel for long trips. I fully enjoy the national subsidies for new energy vehicles, the green license plate exempts me from traffic restrictions, and charging even reduces parking fees. In terms of differences from traditional vehicles, plug-in hybrids have both an engine and a large-capacity battery pack, making the chassis structure more complex, but they are indeed fuel-efficient and quiet to drive. If you're hesitating about whether to buy a new energy vehicle, a plug-in hybrid is indeed a compromise solution.
During last year's new energy vehicle policy symposium, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology clearly classified plug-in hybrids as new energy vehicle models. The key metrics are battery capacity and pure electric range. These vehicles enjoy purchase tax exemptions, are exempt from traffic restrictions, and can obtain green license plates on the policy front. However, technologically they retain the complete fuel vehicle powertrain system while having smaller battery packs than pure electric vehicles. In local subsidy policies, some cities offer them lower subsidy amounts compared to pure electric vehicles. From a user perspective, plug-in hybrids address the range anxiety issues of pure electric vehicles, serving as transitional products between conventional and electric vehicles.
Old Zhang, my neighbor, bought a BYD plug-in hybrid car last year and got a green new energy license plate. On weekends, I often see him charging at the community charging station, saying he doesn’t use any fuel for daily commutes. This type of car requires both refueling and charging, with the engine and electric motor working together. The car starts up very quietly and accelerates quickly at traffic lights. Old Zhang mentioned that a full charge can cover over 100 kilometers, and for a 500-kilometer trip back to his hometown, just one refueling stop is needed. The downside is that maintaining multiple systems is a bit more complex, but it’s definitely more convenient compared to pure electric cars.
