[SMM Hydrogen Policy Update] Guangzhou Municipal Development and Reform Commission: Subsidy Application Opens for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Demonstration Operations

On September 30, 2025, the Guangzhou Municipal Development and Reform Commission issued a notice on organizing the application for the 2025 fuel cell car model demonstration operation subsidies under the hydrogen energy industry development fund, aiming to promote the high-quality development of Guangzhou's hydrogen energy industry and accelerate the promotion and application of fuel cell car models. The implementation of this policy will positively promote the operation and development of fuel cell car models in Guangzhou.

I. Application Conditions Specify Strict Requirements. Both the applicant entity and the vehicles must meet multiple conditions simultaneously. The applicant entity must be an entity engaged in the operation of fuel cell car models in Guangzhou, the application vehicles must be registered and licensed in Guangzhou, and they must meet the relevant technical indicators of the fuel cell car model demonstration city cluster and key parts production requirements. Meanwhile, the operational data of the fuel cell car models must be connected to the national and municipal fuel cell car model demonstration application-related information platforms, with data entered and transmitted as required, and they must also comply with the national, provincial, and municipal policies regarding hydrogen energy industry development.

II. Subsidy Standards Are Differentiated by Car Model. For fuel cell vehicles with data connected to the relevant information platforms, subsidies are provided according to different car models. Light-duty fuel cell vehicles (total mass less than 4.5 mt) receive an operational subsidy of up to 0.5 yuan per kilometer for the highest annual mileage within a calendar year, with a maximum annual subsidy of 20,000 yuan per vehicle; medium-duty fuel cell vehicles (total mass 4.5 mt or more, but less than 12 mt) have a maximum annual subsidy of 40,000 yuan per vehicle; heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles (total mass 12 mt or more) have a maximum annual subsidy of 100,000 yuan per vehicle. The mileage calculation period is from November 28, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

III. Application Materials Must Be Complete and Standardized. The applicant entity needs to submit the "Fuel Cell Car Model Demonstration Operation Subsidy Application Form," the "Fuel Cell Car Model Demonstration Operation Subsidy Details Table," the "Letter of Commitment," and screenshot proofs showing the application vehicles are connected to the relevant information platforms. If the applicant is an organization, copies of relevant documents such as the business license must be provided; if an individual, copies of identification documents such as an ID card are required. All materials must be provided in both paper and electronic versions.

IV. Application Process Is Rigorous and Orderly. First, the district development and reform bureau of the jurisdiction organizes the relevant entities to apply. Applicant entities must submit their application materials to the district development and reform bureau of their jurisdiction by October 15, 2025. Next, the district development and reform bureau conducts a preliminary review and submits the eligible application materials along with preliminary review opinions to the Municipal Development and Reform Commission by October 21, 2025. Then, the Municipal Development and Reform Commission determines the proposed subsidy list and subsidy amounts based on vehicle operational data extracted from relevant platforms, followed by a public announcement. After the announcement, if there are no objections or objections are verified as invalid, the final subsidy list is confirmed. Finally, the Municipal Development and Reform Commission issues the municipal subsidy fund allocation plan and disburses the funds according to regulations.

V. Relevant Requirements for Ensuring Application Quality District Development and Reform Bureaus shall, in accordance with the notice requirements, conscientiously organize and carry out subsidy application work within their respective jurisdictions. Applicants for subsidies must ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the information submitted, and the same vehicle shall not be applied for repeatedly.

The implementation of this subsidy application initiative reflects Guangzhou City's emphasis on and support for the development of the hydrogen energy industry, which will help accelerate the promotion and application of fuel cell vehicles and foster the high-quality development of the hydrogen energy sector.