What License Plate Does a Hybrid Car Use?

[MadelynMarie]

Hybrid vehicles are divided into plug-in hybrids and range-extended hybrids. Plug-in hybrids are classified as new energy vehicles and use green license plates, while range-extended hybrids are not considered new energy vehicles and use blue license plates. Below are specific details about hybrid vehicles: 1. Plug-in hybrids switch between the electric motor and the engine in hybrid mode, but for short-distance driving, they can operate purely on electric power with the engine completely off. When the engine is running, it primarily drives the vehicle, and only in rare cases is it used to generate electricity. Range-extended vehicles use only the electric motor to drive the vehicle; the engine's sole function is to generate electricity when the battery is low to support long-distance driving. 2. Plug-in hybrids can be charged. Under short-distance commuting conditions, if charging is convenient, they can function entirely as pure electric vehicles, using the gasoline engine only for long-distance trips. An example is the BYD Qin. Most range-extended electric vehicles can also be charged, and when driving short distances with convenient charging conditions, the gasoline generator does not need to operate.

[SanNora]

It depends on what kind of hybrid car you have. If it's a plug-in hybrid, it now uniformly gets the new energy green license plate nationwide, with clean number segments and exemption from purchase tax, plus some cities don't impose traffic restrictions. But if it's a hybrid like the Corolla Dual Engine that doesn't plug in, it can only get the traditional blue plate. Green plates have been particularly favored by policies in recent years. Last year when I helped a friend pick up a plug-in hybrid, we went through the new energy quota channel without any lottery. Always confirm the vehicle parameters clearly before choosing a car to avoid being misled by salespeople. Implementation standards may vary slightly at local vehicle management offices, so it's advisable to check the latest local policies before picking up the car.

[VonJulianna]

I just researched this! The key is whether it can be externally charged. Plug-in hybrids that can be charged usually get green license plates, while regular hybrids still get blue plates. The new energy license plate policy is particularly favorable now—my colleague in Shenzhen bought a plug-in hybrid and got a free plate, with unrestricted access during rush hours. However, note that green plates don’t offer uniform benefits nationwide—smaller cities like ours don’t waive toll fees. Before handling procedures at the DMV, check the vehicle’s certification type or simply look for a 'PHEV' badge on the rear. It’s advisable to prioritize models eligible for green plates, as resale value differs significantly.

[JosieDella]

There are three scenarios for licensing hybrid vehicles: The first type, plug-in hybrids, are issued gradient green license plates with the letter D/F and enjoy exemption from purchase tax; the second type, range-extended hybrids, also receive green plates; the third type, mild hybrids like Toyota hybrid models, can only get blue plates. The key to licensing depends on the vehicle category in the MIIT catalog—it's advisable to check the "New Energy Vehicle Catalog Exempt from Purchase Tax." When I bought my car, the 4S store forgot to declare the new energy materials, resulting in over ten thousand yuan in extra taxes. Make sure to confirm this before signing the contract. Blue-plate vehicles face increasing restrictions in more cities, so green plates are more valuable in the long run.