What color are hybrid vehicle license plates?
3 Answers
Plug-in hybrid and range-extended hybrid vehicles have green license plates, while fuel-electric hybrid vehicles have blue license plates. There are two qualification conditions for applying for a new energy license plate: 1. The applicant must be registered in China and possess self-owned capital and financing capabilities commensurate with the project investment; 2. The applying enterprise can only produce pure electric passenger vehicles, including pure electric and range-extended passenger vehicles, which must meet relevant national standards. Fuel-electric hybrid vehicles generally have more than two motors, with the electric motor and internal combustion engine being complementary, working in their respective areas of expertise to achieve fuel savings without the need for charging. Therefore, fuel-electric hybrid vehicles cannot be considered true new energy vehicles; strictly speaking, they can only be classified as energy-saving vehicles.
I recently bought a hybrid car with a bright green license plate, which is very eye-catching and instantly recognizable as a new energy vehicle. This is because in China, policy mandates that all new energy vehicles, including hybrids, use green license plates to distinguish them from traditional blue-plate vehicles, encouraging people to choose eco-friendly models. When I was picking the car, I researched and found that the green plates also have a gradient design, with the letter F indicating a non-pure electric hybrid type. There are many benefits, such as free access in urban restricted zones, saving both money and hassle. As an ordinary car owner, driving around always attracts attention, and when friends ask, I explain the symbolic meaning of the plate color. Remember to check the policies when buying a car, as there might be slight variations in different regions.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I've noticed that hybrid cars mostly have green license plates, just like pure electric vehicles. The government promotes new energy vehicles, and the green plate serves as an identifier, essentially for energy saving, emission reduction, and subsidy benefits. For example, in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, green-plated cars are everywhere, and hybrid versions are also quite common. This design has been implemented since 2016. Having a green license plate on the car is not only stylish but also exempts you from checks on restricted driving days, which is quite practical. If you choose a hybrid car, the plate price might be slightly higher, but the long-term fuel savings make it worth considering.
