Brazil has lifted the weight ceiling that applies to category B driver's licenses for electrified vehicles. Law 15,503/2026, signed by President Lula on September 14, amends the national traffic code so that holders of the standard license may operate electric and hybrid cars with a gross weight of up to 4,250 kg — 750 kg more than the previous cap.
The relaxation covers only vehicles with predominantly electric propulsion. Pure combustion models over 3,500 kg, such as the Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, still demand the higher category C license. The old threshold was written into the 1997 traffic code, well before electrification existed as a consideration, and Contran will now be responsible for drafting the supporting regulations.
Chinese automakers look set to gain first. BYD has been weighing a Brazilian launch for its Yangwang line, led by the U8 SUV, which weighs 3,460 kg empty but reaches 3,985 kg when loaded — enough under the old rules to require a category C license and rule out volume retail sales. The quad-motor range-extender delivers a combined 1,197 hp, with its 2.0 turbo acting purely as a generator.
Jetour is another likely beneficiary. The G700 plug-in hybrid, due in Brazil in 2026, weighs more than 3,100 kg and pairs a 211 hp 2.0 turbo with two electric motors for a total output of 905 hp.