Fix the obstacles at No-Contact Apprehension sites
The automotive world is rapidly evolving, and this year has seen an impressive surge in the introduction of new hybrid and fully electric vehicles from almost every major car manufacturer. This growing trend is further fueled by new legislation and supportive initiatives from property developers, making hybrid car ownership increasingly attractive. One significant advantage is the number coding exemption offered to hybrid and electric vehicles under laws like the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). This exemption allows these vehicles to bypass traffic restrictions based on license plate numbers, a considerable perk in congested urban areas. Adding to the appeal, the expansion of EV charging stations in malls and fuel stations addresses range anxiety, while the reduced or eliminated reliance on fossil fuels offers a buffer against volatile fuel prices.
However, while many vehicles proudly display a “hybrid” badge, it’s crucial to understand that not all hybrids are created equal, especially when it comes to number coding exemptions. The Department of Energy has clarified this distinction by publishing a list of electrified vehicles qualifying for the exemption from the UVVRP (Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program), commonly known as number coding. Notably, mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are excluded from this list because they cannot independently propel the vehicle using electric power alone. This difference in capability is the key to understanding which hybrid cars are genuinely exempted from coding restrictions.
Understanding the Three Types of Hybrid Cars
Hybrid vehicles combine traditional internal combustion engines with electric motors to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Generally, hybrid cars are categorized into three main types: mild hybrids (MHEV), full hybrids (HEV), and plug-in hybrids (PHEV). All hybrid systems integrate a gasoline engine with an electric motor powered by a battery, but the extent of electric power and the charging methods differentiate them. Due to the dual power source, hybrid cars often feature smaller combustion engines and batteries compared to conventional gasoline cars or full electric vehicles.
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)
Mild hybrids represent the entry-level of hybrid technology. In MHEV systems, the electric motor primarily assists the gasoline engine; it cannot power the vehicle independently. While the gasoline engine can deactivate during idling to save fuel while maintaining essential functions like air conditioning, the electric motor’s role is supplementary. It supports the engine during acceleration, powers auxiliary systems (lights, air conditioning, and entertainment when the engine is off), but it cannot drive the car on electric power alone. Therefore, MHEVs lack a pure electric mode where the car moves forward with the gasoline engine completely off.
Popular examples of mild hybrids include models like the Geely Okavango, Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid, Chery Tiggo 5X Pro Hybrid, Mazda 3 M Hybrid, and Volvo XC90 B6. Despite being labeled as hybrids, their inability to operate in a pure electric mode means they are not classified as full hybrids. It’s important to note that mild hybrids still offer improved fuel economy and lower emissions compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles, making them a beneficial step towards electrification and a less drastic change for drivers accustomed to gasoline cars.
However, these fuel-efficient mild hybrids do not qualify for government incentives like coding exemptions or designated EV parking privileges because of their limited electric driving capability.
Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Full hybrids, also known as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), offer a more advanced hybrid system where the electric and gasoline power sources can work both in tandem and independently. The vehicle can automatically switch between electric and gasoline power, and some models allow manual mode switching when sufficient battery charge is available. HEVs typically achieve greater fuel efficiency than conventional cars due to this flexible power management. A trade-off is often reduced cargo space to accommodate the battery pack. While HEVs still produce emissions when the gasoline engine is in use, they are considered a significant step towards cleaner transportation and are often seen as an ideal entry point into electrified vehicles. The pure electric mode provides a taste of electric vehicle driving, while the gasoline engine alleviates range concerns, especially while public charging infrastructure is still developing. Crucially, full hybrids that offer a pure electric mode are eligible for coding exemptions.
Examples of full hybrid vehicles include the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Toyota Zenix Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Nissan Kicks e-Power, Lexus NX350h, and Haval Jolion HEV. These models are recognized as true hybrids because they can operate solely on electric power when the battery has sufficient charge.
These full hybrids are precisely the type of vehicles targeted by government incentives. They are granted coding exemptions and may benefit from expedited vehicle registration processes and reduced fees. However, because they do not feature plug-in charging capability, they are generally not permitted to park in designated EV charging parking spots.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) represent the most advanced category of hybrids, bridging the gap between HEVs and fully electric vehicles. PHEVs share similarities with full hybrids but with a crucial distinction: they can be plugged into an external power source to recharge their batteries. This charging capability can be through a standard wall outlet or a dedicated charging station. PHEVs allow drivers to maximize electric driving, especially for daily commutes, as the initial kilometers can be covered in pure electric mode, producing zero emissions. The gasoline engine engages when the battery is depleted, providing extended range. PHEVs generally come with a higher price tag than HEVs due to the added plug-in functionality, but they offer a longer electric range and larger battery capacity, bringing them closer to battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
PHEV models often include “PHEV” in their name to highlight their plug-in capability. Examples include the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV, Range Rover P400e, and upcoming models like the Jetour Dashing PHEV and BYD Song Plus PHEV.
Like full hybrids, PHEVs with pure electric modes qualify for government incentives for electrified vehicles, including coding exemptions and streamlined registration. Furthermore, their plug-in charging feature grants them the added benefit of being allowed to park in designated EV charging parking locations.
Differentiating Hybrids for Coding Exemption
Understanding the differences between mild, full, and plug-in hybrids is essential, particularly for navigating coding exemptions. The key differentiator for exemption eligibility is the vehicle’s ability to operate in a pure electric mode, propelling itself solely on electric power. PHEVs are easily identifiable by their “PHEV” designation and the presence of a charging port.
The market offers an expanding selection of hybrid vehicles. Mazda and Volvo feature mild hybrid technology across their lineups. Toyota and Lexus offer a wide range of full hybrid models. Newer brands like Jetour, Chery, and Haval are also entering the hybrid market. With more PHEV models on the horizon, consumers seeking to experience electric vehicle benefits while mitigating range anxiety will have increasing options in the near future.
