How Long is the Waiting List for New Energy Vehicles?
2 Answers
According to the current allocation rules, new applicants for this round of new energy vehicle quotas may have to wait until 2028 to obtain them. Below is an introduction about new energy vehicle quotas or regular quotas: Introduction: The types included in regular quotas and new energy vehicle quotas are different. Regular quotas refer to the additional quotas for purchasing gasoline-powered vehicles (commonly seen on the streets) when one does not currently own a car, mainly including traditional energy quotas. On the other hand, new energy vehicle quotas refer to new types of quotas such as natural gas vehicles. Policy: To protect the environment, the number of regular quotas available is much smaller than that of new energy vehicle quotas. Further controlling regular quotas is beneficial for China to follow a sustainable development path. Compared to regular quotas, the number of new energy vehicle quotas available is larger. Extension: The new energy vehicle subsidy policy may be extended for three more years. The Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the National Development and Reform Commission have reached a consensus to extend China's new energy vehicle subsidy policy for another three years.
I just went through this myself—waited over three years in Beijing to finally get my new energy vehicle (NEV) license plate. At first, I thought it would be quick, but after applying, I realized how tight the quotas were. With the rise of electric vehicles and environmental policies fueling the trend, many people are rushing to apply, drawn by the savings on charging and cheaper maintenance. However, city quotas are limited, issuance is slow, and wait times naturally stretch. My advice to anyone considering a purchase: plan ahead, brace yourself mentally when applying, and avoid last-minute urgency only to find the wait unbearable. Keep an eye on policy updates—some cities offer priority channels that can shave off some waiting time. The process is grueling, but once you get the car, it’s worth it—smooth to drive and easy on the wallet.
