8702.40.31.00 - Designed for the transport of 16 or more persons, including the driver

This HTS subheading, 8702.40.31.00, specifically classifies motor vehicles designed for the transport of sixteen or more persons, including the driver, that are propelled solely by an electric motor. This category encompasses a range of electric vehicles such as electric buses, shuttles, and other large passenger carriers where the sole means of propulsion is an electric motor. The defining characteristic is the vehicle's capacity of 16+ persons and its exclusively electric powertrain.

This classification is distinguished from its sibling category, 8702.40.61.00, which covers "Other" motor vehicles designed for the transport of sixteen or more persons, including the driver, with only electric motor for propulsion. While both fall under the broader electric vehicle umbrella for large passenger transport, 8702.40.31.00 is a more specific designation that would be used when the vehicle does not fall into any further subcategories within the electric propulsion group for this capacity range. In essence, 8702.40.61.00 would serve as a residual category if specific sub-classifications were not applicable.

As this HTS subheading represents a leaf node, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Classification at this level is determined by the combination of the vehicle's passenger capacity (16 or more, including the driver) and its propulsion system (solely electric motor). Therefore, practical classification relies on verifying these two key criteria against the specifications of the imported or exported vehicle.