What does a blue license plate on an electric vehicle mean?
2 Answers
Electric vehicles are not classified into yellow or blue license plates; only motor vehicles are categorized into yellow and blue license plates. A blue license plate indicates an electric bicycle that complies with the "Electric Bicycle Safety Technical Specifications" standard, also known as a national standard vehicle, which is uniformly issued a formal anti-theft license plate (white characters on a blue background). The color of the license plate is explained as follows: 1. Green plate: Electric bicycles that comply with the "Electric Bicycle Safety Technical Specifications" standard, also known as national standard vehicles, are uniformly issued a formal anti-theft license plate (white characters on a green background). 2. Yellow plate: Yellow plates are divided into two categories. One type is for electric motorcycles, which are generally issued yellow plates. Another type is for non-compliant vehicles that are granted a temporary transition period in certain regions, which are uniformly issued yellow plates and managed by the traffic management department of the public security authority according to non-motor vehicle regulations. The temporary anti-theft license plate is valid for 3 years from the date of registration. 3. White plate: White plates are also used as a temporary transition for non-compliant electric bicycles that do not meet the national "Electric Bicycle Safety Technical Specifications" standard. These are managed by the traffic management department of the public security authority according to non-motor vehicle regulations. The temporary anti-theft white license plate is valid for 3 years from the date of registration.
The other day, I came across an electric vehicle with a blue license plate while driving, which piqued my curiosity. Blue plates are the regular small car license plates, the same as those used for gasoline vehicles. An electric vehicle with a blue plate means it was registered under the conventional small car category, not the now-popular green new energy license plates. I also drive an electric vehicle, but mine has a blue plate, mainly because it was purchased during a transitional period when local policies hadn’t yet mandated the use of green plates. Driving an electric vehicle with a blue plate doesn’t feel any different—electricity is still cheaper than gas—but I have to find charging stations with older connectors. Green plates come with benefits like subsidies and free parking, which blue plates don’t offer. However, long-distance travel is just as convenient, and it avoids some of the approval hassles associated with green-plate vehicles. The color of the license plate doesn’t affect the car’s performance, but I’d recommend beginners opt for green plates for the added perks.
