What is Vehicle Classification?
2 Answers
According to the relevant provisions of China's national standards, vehicle classifications include trucks, off-road vehicles, dump trucks, tractor vehicles, special-purpose vehicles, buses, and passenger cars. Vehicle type refers to a form of vehicle distinguished by its general characteristics, intended use, and functionality. Below are the descriptions of each vehicle category: Truck: Also known as a freight vehicle, heavy-duty vehicle, or lorry. It is primarily used to transport various goods or tow full trailers. Trucks can be categorized into micro, light, medium, and heavy-duty based on their load capacity (1.8 tons, 6 tons, 14 tons). Off-road vehicle: Mainly used for transporting personnel and goods or towing equipment off-road, typically featuring all-wheel drive. They can be classified by drive type into 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 configurations. Dump truck: Refers to a freight vehicle with a cargo compartment that can automatically tip over. There are two types: those that tip backward and those that can tip in three directions (left, right, and backward). Tractor vehicle: Specifically or primarily designed for towing. It can be divided into full-trailer tractors and semi-trailer tractors. Special-purpose vehicle: Equipped with specialized equipment and designed for specific transportation tasks or operations. Bus: A vehicle designed to carry nine or more passengers, featuring a rectangular compartment mainly for transporting people and their luggage. Buses are categorized into micro, light, medium, large, and extra-large based on their length (3.5 meters, 7 meters, 10 meters, 12 meters). Passenger car: A small passenger vehicle accommodating 2 to 8 people. It can be classified into micro, standard, intermediate, upper-intermediate, and luxury cars based on engine displacement (1 liter, 1.6 liters, 2.5 liters, 4 liters).
Vehicle classification typically refers to grouping cars based on different criteria, which I find quite interesting because it often comes up in car conversations. For example, by usage, the common categories are passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles: passenger vehicles include family sedans, SUVs, and MPVs that we drive daily, offering convenience for commuting—SUVs, with their spacious interiors, are great for families; commercial vehicles encompass trucks, buses, and pickups, used for transporting goods or passengers. By size, compact cars like microcars are fuel-efficient and easy to park, while mid-to-large vehicles such as full-size SUVs are roomy but consume more fuel. The powertrain is another classification point: fuel-powered vehicles come in gasoline and diesel versions, while electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids are gaining popularity for being eco-friendly and cost-effective. Additionally, performance-oriented vehicles like sports cars and off-roaders are categorized by driving scenarios. Understanding these classifications helps match car choices to needs, avoiding unsuitable purchases—for instance, a small EV is ideal for urban commuting.
