What do the letters F, D, and A on green license plates represent?
4 Answers
Green license plates with the letters D and F: D represents pure electric, while F represents hybrid. Here is the relevant information: Meaning: On April 18, 2016, to better distinguish and identify new energy vehicles and implement differentiated traffic management, China introduced special license plates for new energy vehicles. The new energy license plates primarily feature a green color scheme, symbolizing "green environmental protection." Special logo: The new energy vehicle license plates include a special logo with a green background, symbolizing electricity and new energy. On the right side of the green circle is an electric plug pattern, while the colored part on the left resembles the English letter "E" (Electric).
On the green license plates of new energy vehicles, those letters are quite interesting. For example, F stands for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), meaning they can run on both electricity and gasoline. My neighbor’s BYD hybrid has an F on its plate. D, on the other hand, refers to pure electric vehicles (BEVs), which rely solely on battery power, like Teslas. A D on the plate indicates zero emissions. A is usually the first letter on the plate and represents the registration region—A for Beijing, while other provinces use different letters to easily identify where the vehicle is from. I’ve noticed these distinctions help with urban management. For instance, some areas offer free parking benefits for D-plate vehicles, and F-plate vehicles can save on fuel costs. In short, the green plates make eco-friendly vehicles instantly recognizable, so it’s worth paying attention to these labels when buying a car.
From driving experience, the distinction between green license plate letters is quite simple. D stands for pure electric, like my old electric car which had a D plate—it runs solely on electricity with no gas, offering long range but not ideal for long trips. F denotes hybrid models, capable of switching between gas and electric modes, making them suitable for frequent highway driving. As for A, that's the initial letter of the license plate, with A representing Beijing and Shanghai being 'Hu'—it varies by region, just don't confuse the letter and number positions. Nowadays, many cities offer priority lanes for D-plate vehicles, and F plates are exempt from purchase tax. Understanding these can save you money and hassle.
As an electric vehicle enthusiast, the meaning of green license plate letters is very practical. D stands for pure electric, completely emission-free, and very quiet to drive. F represents plug-in hybrid, which can be charged or refueled, offering great flexibility. A is the regional code for the license plate, like Beijing uses A. These markings not only indicate the license plate location but also affect daily life. For example, some shopping malls offer free charging for D-plate vehicles, and F-plate vehicles can get tax refunds on fuel, with policies encouraging low-carbon travel.
