Han Ximin

    ximhan@126.com

    LICENSE plates reserved for buyers of new-energy vehicles were vastly underused compared to those for fuel-powered vehicles at the first lottery held in Shenzhen yesterday.

    Only 476 license plates for new-energy vehicles were given out, though the authorities had presented 2,222 to individual and corporate buyers.

    In stark contrast, all the fuel-powered vehicle license plates up for the lottery were given away.

    “The lottery was for 4,436 license plates — 3,912 for individuals and 524 for corporate applicants,” said Zhong Junhong, head of Shenzhen Vehicle Quotas Control and Management Center.

    “Since many of the plates for electric vehicles weren’t given out, there is a larger chance for residents to get a license plate if they buy electric vehicles,” said Zhong, who hopes prospective buyers will apply for them and form a habit of using greener vehicles.

    According to rules, eligible new-energy vehicles include both homemade and imported electric cars and hybrid vehicles powered both by electricity and gasoline.

    Shenzhen transportation commission reminded applicants who get the license plates through lotteries to use them within six months, otherwise they will be disqualified from applying for two years. Those who apply with falsified documents will be disqualified from applications for three years.

    This was the first time the city has given out license plates through lotteries since authorities in Shenzhen announced restrictions on vehicle purchases in December last year, setting a limit of 100,000 vehicles a year.

    New plates, which include 20,000 set aside for new-energy vehicles, will be given out each month. Half the plates will be distributed through lotteries and the other half through auctions.

    Shenzhen transportation commission said 150,000 residents had applied for a license plate.

    There will be two rounds of auctions and lotteries in March because the lottery and auction in February were postponed due to Spring Festival. The license plates set to be given out and sold in January will be distributed evenly for the lotteries and auctions for the following three months.

    The first auction of 4,450 license plates will be held online between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. today.

    Residents who wish to purchase vehicles can apply for a license plate by submitting applications to xqctk.sztb.gov.cn before the 8th of every month. The monthly lottery and auction will be held on the 26th day every month.