What are the requirements for hybrid vehicles to obtain green license plates?
2 Answers
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles can obtain green license plates, while non-plug-in hybrid electric vehicles cannot. Categories of new energy vehicles: Mainly include pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles. Pure electric vehicles have relatively short driving ranges, fuel cell vehicles are very rare, leaving only plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Types eligible for green license plates: These include plug-in hybrid, hybrid electric, and range-extended hybrid vehicles. Among these, only plug-in hybrid vehicles are permitted to apply for green license plates, while other hybrid vehicles are excluded and cannot obtain green license plates. Additionally, plug-in hybrid vehicles are classified under the fuel vehicle category; although they can obtain green license plates, they are still subject to the same traffic restrictions as fuel vehicles.
As someone who has been assisting at car dealerships for years, I've seen many cases of hybrid vehicles getting green license plates. The core requirement is that the vehicle must be a plug-in hybrid with a pure electric range of at least 50 kilometers, and some popular models meet this standard. When applying, you need to prepare the car purchase invoice, vehicle conformity certificate, and environmental certification documents, then submit them directly to the DMV for review. I think another key point is that local policies may vary—for example, first-tier cities have stricter requirements, often needing online appointments to avoid long queues. Additionally, green plates come with many benefits, such as exemption from purchase tax and no driving restrictions, which is especially practical for commuters. I've also noticed that new policies are increasingly encouraging new energy vehicles, so it's best to check the latest regulations before buying rather than making a hasty decision. In short, choosing the right model and preparing the necessary documents are key steps—it's not too complicated but requires attention to detail.