Fix the obstacles at No-Contact Apprehension sites
The automotive world is rapidly embracing electrification, with nearly every major brand releasing new hybrid and fully electric models. This shift is further encouraged by new legislation and the increasing availability of charging infrastructure, making electric vehicle ownership more attractive than ever. One significant incentive for eco-conscious drivers is the exemption from color coding, a traffic management scheme in some urban areas. This exemption, particularly for hybrid cars, is a key factor driving their popularity.
The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) specifically grants number coding exemption to hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles. This means these vehicles are not restricted from roads on certain days based on their license plate numbers. This, coupled with the expansion of EV charging stations at malls and fuel stations, addresses range anxiety and makes owning an electrified vehicle more practical. Furthermore, opting for a hybrid or electric car reduces reliance on fossil fuels, offering a buffer against volatile fuel prices.
However, it’s crucial to understand that not all vehicles marketed as “hybrid” qualify for this color coding exemption. The Department of Energy has clarified which electrified vehicles are exempt from the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), commonly known as the number coding scheme. Notably, mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are excluded from this list. This is because MHEVs lack the capability to independently propel the vehicle using electric power alone. Understanding this distinction is essential for consumers looking to benefit from the color coding exemption.
Understanding the Different Types of Hybrid Cars
Hybrid vehicles combine a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE), typically gasoline-powered, with an electric motor and battery. This dual-power source setup generally allows for a smaller combustion engine and battery compared to conventional cars and full EVs, respectively. While all hybrids share this basic architecture, their electric capabilities and how they utilize electric power vary significantly. They are broadly categorized into mild hybrids, full hybrids, and plug-in hybrids.
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV): Electric Assist, No Exemption
Mild hybrids feature an electric motor that primarily assists the gasoline engine. While the gasoline engine can operate independently, the electric motor in an MHEV cannot propel the vehicle on its own. In some situations, the gasoline engine might shut off when idling, such as in traffic, while auxiliary functions like air conditioning remain powered by the electric system. Despite being termed “hybrid,” the electric motor’s role is supplementary – it supports the engine to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions but doesn’t offer a pure electric driving mode. Therefore, mild hybrids are not “Hybrid Cars Exempted From Color Coding”.
Examples of mild hybrid vehicles include models like the Geely Okavango, Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid, Chery Tiggo 5X Pro Hybrid, Mazda 3 M Hybrid, and Volvo XC90 B6. Although marketed as hybrids and offering improved fuel economy compared to non-hybrid counterparts, their lack of a pure electric mode disqualifies them from being classified as full hybrids and from enjoying color coding exemptions and EV parking privileges.
Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV): True Hybrids with Color Coding Exemption
Full hybrids, also known as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), are designed to operate using either the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or a combination of both. The vehicle seamlessly switches between these power sources automatically, and some models even allow manual mode selection when sufficient battery charge is available. HEVs offer enhanced fuel efficiency and extended driving range compared to conventional gasoline cars due to this hybrid powertrain. While they may have slightly reduced cargo space to accommodate batteries and still produce emissions when the gasoline engine is in use, they are often seen as an ideal entry point into electrified vehicles. The ability to drive in pure electric mode provides a glimpse into the experience of driving a full battery electric vehicle, while the presence of a gasoline engine alleviates range anxiety. Crucially, full hybrids are “hybrid cars exempted from color coding”.
Popular examples of full hybrid vehicles 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 considered true hybrids because of their capability to run solely on electric power when the battery has sufficient charge.
These full hybrids are precisely the type of vehicles targeted by government incentives for electrified mobility. They are granted color coding exemption and may also qualify for expedited and discounted vehicle registration. However, because they do not have plug-in charging capability, they are typically not permitted to park in designated EV charging parking spots.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV): Plug-in Power and Full Benefits
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) represent the next level of hybridization. They share similarities with full hybrids but with a key distinction: they can be plugged into an external power source to recharge their batteries. This plug-in capability allows PHEVs to operate in electric-only mode for a more extended range, often sufficient for daily commutes, before the gasoline engine engages. While generally more expensive than HEVs due to the added plug-in functionality and larger battery packs, PHEVs bridge the gap to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by offering longer electric ranges and a more pronounced electric driving experience.
PHEV models are often identified by “PHEV” in their name and include vehicles like 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.
PHEVs also qualify for government incentives for electrified vehicles, including color coding exemption and potential registration benefits. Furthermore, their plug-in charging feature grants them access to designated EV parking spots, making them the most versatile hybrid option in terms of incentives and benefits.
Distinguishing Hybrids for Color Coding Exemption
Understanding the nuances between these hybrid types is crucial, especially when considering the color coding exemption. When shopping for a hybrid vehicle with the intention of benefiting from this exemption, the key feature to look for is the presence of a pure electric driving mode. PHEVs are easily identifiable by the “PHEV” designation and their charging port.
The market for hybrid vehicles is expanding, with manufacturers like Mazda and Volvo offering mild hybrid options across their lineups. Toyota and Lexus boast extensive hybrid model ranges, and newer brands such as Jetour, Chery, and Haval are also entering the hybrid segment. With more PHEV models on the horizon, consumers seeking an electric driving experience with the security of a gasoline engine will have increasing choices in the near future.
