Does the Accord Hybrid Get a Green License Plate or a Blue One?
3 Answers
The Accord Hybrid is a hybrid gasoline-electric vehicle, which is considered an energy-efficient car but not a new energy vehicle. Therefore, it requires a blue license plate and cannot be issued a green one. The differences between blue and green license plates for cars are as follows: Different Applicable Vehicle Types: Green license plates are for new energy vehicles, including all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles; blue plates are for conventional energy vehicles, i.e., gasoline and diesel cars. Different License Plate Colors: New energy passenger cars use a gradient green color, while new energy trucks use a yellow-green combination, both symbolizing green, eco-friendly, and technological features. This not only facilitates differentiated management and easy identification but also highlights the characteristics of new energy and technological innovation. Gasoline vehicles use blue license plates. Different License Plate Digit Counts: Green license plates have 6 digits instead of the previous 5, using only two letters: D and F. D stands for pure electric, and F stands for hybrid. Blue license plates have 5 digits.
I've been driving the Accord Hybrid for two years now. When I bought the car, the 4S store clearly stated that it was registered with a blue license plate, not a green one. The reason is simple: the Accord Hybrid is an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) type, which is a non-plug-in hybrid without a charging port and cannot run purely on electricity. The national new energy policy stipulates that only pure electric vehicles (EV) or plug-in hybrids (PHEV) are eligible for green license plates, enjoying subsidies and traffic restriction exemptions. Although the Accord Hybrid has extremely low fuel consumption, averaging only 4-5 liters per 100 km, and is fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, the policy makes this rigid distinction. My car runs in Shenzhen, where blue plates are occasionally subject to traffic restrictions, but the overall driving experience is smooth, with seamless switching between the engine and motor. My family says it's very comfortable to ride in. If you're considering buying one, I suggest checking the MIIT catalog or consulting a dealer in advance—don't expect green plate benefits. There are many hybrid options available, but understanding the different types is key to avoiding disappointment.
From an automotive technology perspective, the Accord Hybrid utilizes Honda's i-MMD system, which falls under the conventional HEV hybrid category without external charging capability. Therefore, under China's license plate policy, it can only qualify for a blue plate. Green plates are specifically designed for pure electric BEVs or plug-in hybrid PHEVs, reflecting their new energy attributes. Although the Accord Hybrid boasts high efficiency with fuel consumption around 5L, its small battery doesn't support pure electric range, so it doesn't qualify as a new energy vehicle by national standards. The policy aims to promote zero-emission models, so I personally recommend verifying vehicle specifications before purchase: HEV for blue plates, PHEV for green plates. The Accord Hybrid's powertrain is excellent, offering fuel efficiency and reliability, though blue plates may be less convenient than green plates in major cities. Technically, the i-MMD optimizes power distribution, but license plate regulations are non-negotiable—checking official policy documents will clarify this.
