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The automotive landscape is rapidly changing, with hybrid and fully electric vehicles becoming increasingly common. This shift is fueled by both consumer demand and supportive government policies, such as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). These policies often include incentives designed to encourage the adoption of greener vehicles. One such incentive that many prospective buyers are curious about is vehicle coding exemption, sometimes referred to as number coding exemption. With the rise of hybrids, a key question emerges: Are Hybrid Cars Exempted From Coding?
Many drivers are attracted to hybrid vehicles due to potential exemptions from traffic schemes like number coding, which restricts vehicle usage based on license plate numbers on certain days. Beyond exemptions, the appeal of hybrids is further enhanced by the expansion of EV charging infrastructure in public spaces like malls and fuel stations. Moreover, the promise of reduced fuel consumption, or even fossil fuel independence, offers a buffer against volatile fuel prices.
However, while the term “hybrid” is broadly applied, it encompasses a range of technologies. Crucially, not all vehicles marketed as “hybrid” qualify for coding exemptions. Recently, the Department of Energy has clarified which electrified vehicles are eligible for exemptions from schemes like the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), or number coding. This list notably excludes mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). The core reason for this distinction lies in the varying capabilities of different hybrid systems, particularly their ability to operate solely on electric power.
To understand which hybrid vehicles are exempted from coding, it’s essential to differentiate between the main types of hybrid systems: mild hybrids, full hybrids, and plug-in hybrids.
Decoding Hybrid Technology: Mild, Full, and Plug-In
Hybrid vehicles, by definition, combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor and battery system. This pairing aims to leverage the strengths of both technologies. Typically, hybrid cars utilize a gasoline engine, similar to conventional vehicles, working in conjunction with an electric motor powered by a battery.
To accommodate both power sources, hybrid vehicles often feature a smaller combustion engine compared to traditional cars and a battery pack that is smaller than those found in fully electric vehicles. Despite these shared components, the critical difference between hybrid types lies in the extent of electric power generation, usage, and recharging capabilities.
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV)
Mild hybrid systems are characterized by their supportive role. In an MHEV, the gasoline engine and electric motor operate in tandem, but the electric motor primarily assists the engine. While the gasoline engine can function independently, the electric motor cannot propel the vehicle on its own. MHEVs often feature engine stop-start technology, shutting off the gasoline engine when idling to save fuel, while still powering accessories like air conditioning.
The electric motor in a mild hybrid is designed to support the gasoline engine – for example, providing extra torque during acceleration or powering auxiliary vehicle functions. However, crucially, MHEVs lack a pure electric driving mode. They cannot move forward using only electric power.
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 carrying the “hybrid” designation, 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 benefits, such as improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to purely gasoline-powered vehicles. They serve as an accessible entry point into hybrid technology, retaining the familiar reliance on a gasoline engine for primary propulsion.
However, these fuel-efficient mild hybrids do not qualify for the government incentives, including coding exemptions and access to designated EV parking spaces, which are intended for vehicles with more substantial electric driving capabilities.
Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)
Full hybrids, also known as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), offer a more advanced level of electrification. These systems allow the gasoline engine and electric motor to work either together or independently. The vehicle can automatically switch between gasoline and electric power, and some models allow manual mode selection when sufficient battery charge is available. Full hybrids generally achieve greater fuel economy than conventional cars due to this dual-power source operation.
A trade-off with HEVs can be reduced cargo space to accommodate the battery pack. They also still produce emissions when the gasoline engine is in use. However, full hybrids are often considered an ideal stepping stone to full electrification. Their electric-only driving mode provides a taste of the battery electric vehicle experience, while the presence of a gasoline engine mitigates range anxiety, particularly while charging infrastructure expands. Importantly, full hybrids that offer a pure electric mode do qualify for coding exemptions.
Examples of full hybrids include the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (V or GR grades), Toyota Zenix Hybrid (Q grade), Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (all variants), Nissan Kicks e-Power (all variants), Lexus NX350h, and Haval Jolion HEV. These vehicles are categorized as true hybrids because they can operate solely on electric power when the battery is adequately charged.
Full hybrids are precisely the type of vehicles targeted by government incentives for electrified transport. They are typically coding exempted and may benefit from streamlined vehicle registration processes and potential discounts. However, as they do not have plug-in charging capability, they are generally not permitted to park in designated EV charging parking spots.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) represent the next level of hybrid technology. PHEVs share similarities with full hybrids but with a critical distinction: they can be plugged in to recharge their batteries. This plug-in capability allows drivers to charge the battery from external sources, such as wall outlets or charging stations. PHEVs can then utilize a more extended pure electric driving mode, often sufficient for daily commutes, minimizing or eliminating emissions for shorter trips. The gasoline engine engages when the battery is depleted or when higher power demands arise. PHEVs typically have larger battery packs and longer electric ranges compared to HEVs, and often come with a higher purchase price due to the added plug-in functionality.
PHEV models are often identified by “PHEV” in their name. 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.
Because PHEVs offer a significant pure electric driving range and plug-in charging, they also qualify for government incentives for electrified vehicles. Like HEVs, they are coding exempted and may receive registration benefits. Furthermore, their ability to recharge from external sources grants them access to designated EV parking spaces, a benefit not typically extended to other hybrid types.
Distinguishing Hybrids for Informed Decisions
Understanding the differences between mild, full, and plug-in hybrids is essential for making informed choices, especially regarding vehicle coding exemptions. When considering a hybrid purchase, the key factor to ascertain is its capability for pure electric driving. PHEVs are readily identifiable by the “PHEV” designation and their charging port.
The market for hybrid vehicles is expanding. Manufacturers like Mazda and Volvo offer a range of mild hybrid models. Toyota and Lexus have a strong presence in the full hybrid segment, with numerous models available. Emerging brands like Jetour, Chery, and Haval are also introducing hybrid options. The upcoming arrival of more PHEV models will provide consumers with an even wider selection for those seeking a balance between electric driving and the security of a gasoline engine. For those specifically seeking coding exemptions and other incentives, understanding the nuances of hybrid technology is paramount in choosing the right vehicle.
