8703.50.00.10 - Of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1,500 cc

This HTS category, 8703.50.00.10, specifically classifies motor cars and other motor vehicles designed primarily for carrying persons. The defining characteristic of vehicles falling under this heading is their propulsion system, which must include both a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine and an electric motor. Crucially, these vehicles are *not* capable of being externally recharged by plugging into an electrical source. This points to vehicles like certain hybrid electric vehicles where the electric motor is primarily powered by the internal combustion engine or regenerative braking.

The primary differentiator for this category, when compared to its siblings, lies in the engine's cylinder capacity. Vehicles classified here have a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1,500 cubic centimeters (cc). This distinguishes them from vehicles with a larger engine displacement, such as those exceeding 1,500 cc but not exceeding 2,500 cc, or those with engines exceeding 2,500 cc, which are found in the sibling categories. Therefore, the engine size, in conjunction with the hybrid propulsion system and lack of external charging capability, is the key to proper classification.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS, there are no further subdivisions. Classification under 8703.50.00.10 is therefore definitive for vehicles meeting all the specified criteria. This includes a wide range of modern hybrid passenger vehicles that prioritize fuel efficiency and reduced emissions through the combination of a diesel engine and an electric motor, without the ability for grid charging. Importers and exporters should carefully verify the cylinder capacity of the internal combustion engine and confirm the absence of an external charging port to ensure accurate classification.