What Types of Vehicles Can Get Green License Plates?

[JuneLynn]

Vehicles eligible for green license plates are new energy vehicles. New energy vehicles refer to automobiles that utilize unconventional vehicle fuels as their power source, integrating advanced technologies in vehicle power control and driving systems to form vehicles with advanced technical principles, new technologies, and innovative structures. License plates refer to vehicle registration plates, which are metal or plastic plates affixed to the front and rear of a vehicle, made of aluminum, sheet metal, plastic, or paper, and inscribed with the vehicle's registration number, registration region, or other relevant information. Vehicle license plates are the abbreviated term for vehicle registration plates and vehicle driving licenses, which are standardized in format and style as stipulated by national vehicle management regulations. They are hard-coded number plates with registration codes issued by vehicle management authorities after reviewing, inspecting, and registering vehicles that have applied for license plates.

[MacMartin]

Only new energy vehicles can get green license plates! Mainly including pure electric vehicles (fully powered by batteries), plug-in hybrid vehicles (can be charged or refueled), and fuel cell vehicles (hydrogen-powered). To qualify for a green license plate, the vehicle must be listed in the national new energy vehicle catalog and meet the pure electric range requirements—plug-in hybrids generally need over 50 km. These vehicles enjoy government subsidies, exemption from license plate lotteries, no traffic restrictions in many cities, and even waivers on purchase taxes. However, policies vary by region, so it’s best to check local regulations before buying. For example, Beijing doesn’t grant green plates to plug-in hybrids—this is a key point to note.

[LeAndrew]

The green license plate is essentially the ID card for new energy vehicles! The most common types are pure electric and plug-in hybrid: pure electric vehicles rely on charging and have zero emissions with no engine; plug-in hybrids can refuel and charge, using electricity for short trips and gasoline for long distances. It's important to note that conventional hybrid vehicles cannot get green plates because they don't plug in and don't meet new energy standards. Before registering, make sure the vehicle is listed in the MIIT catalog—some electric cars aren't included even if they run on electricity. My friend just bought a pure electric car and regrets it because their neighborhood has no charging stations, forcing them to hunt for charging points late at night. So, charging convenience is something to consider in advance.

[Thomas]

Currently, green-plate vehicles are divided into three main categories: pure electric (such as Tesla Model 3), plug-in hybrid (like BYD Song DM-i), and fuel cell vehicles. These vehicles must use new energy-specific license plates, with green symbolizing environmental protection. The core standard is that pure electric vehicles must meet a certain driving range, while plug-in hybrids must pass the MIIT test with at least 50 kilometers of range to qualify. Many brands offer green-plate vehicles, but when purchasing, it's important to check the range parameters. Using air conditioning in summer and cold starts in winter can reduce the actual range, which is most noticeable during test drives.