A Guide for Electric Vehicle Owners

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common on UK roads, a new feature is helping to distinguish zero-emission vehicles: the green number plate. Launched in 2020, these plates feature a green flash on the left-hand side, indicating that the vehicle is fully electric or hydrogen-powered. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these plates, including how they can benefit private EV owners.

What Are Green Number Plates?

A green number plate is a special vehicle registration plate designed for zero-emission vehicles. This plate includes a green flash on the left-hand side, making electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles easily identifiable. The green flash is not a full green background but a simple vertical green strip that differentiates electric vehicles from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

While the concept is simple, green plates can come with different designs and features to suit the vehicle owner’s preferences. For example, you can have a solid green flash or one that includes a UK identifier with the Union Jack, which is useful for driving in Europe. This design negates the need for sticking a separate UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle when driving abroad. Additionally, other designs, such as a GB identifier with Union Jack, are also road-legal and can be displayed alongside the green flash.

At Official Plates, we offer a variety of customisation options for green number plates, including the ability to choose from different designs and registration formats. Visit our Electric Vehicle Number Plate listing to order your own.

Benefits of Green Number Plates for Personal EV Owners

1. Raising Awareness

Green plates make it easier for others to recognise your vehicle as an eco-friendly, zero-emission car, helping to normalise EVs on the road.

2. Potential Local Benefits

In some cities, EVs with green plates may qualify for local benefits, such as free parking, exemption from congestion charges, or entry to low-emission zones. These perks can vary by location but can significantly reduce costs for EV owners.

3. Ease of Travel in Europe

If you opt for a green plate with a UK identifier and Union Jack, you can skip the hassle of sticking a UK sticker on the back of your car when driving in Europe. This makes international travel more convenient for UK-based EV owners.

Are Green Number Plates Mandatory or Optional?

Green number plates are optional, not mandatory. The UK government introduced them as a way to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, but it is up to individual drivers to decide whether to use them.

For new electric vehicles, many dealerships will automatically issue green plates. If you choose to buy a green plate, it’s essential to know that having one does not affect your eligibility for EV-related benefits. Even if you don’t have a green plate, your vehicle will still be recognised as zero-emission in databases for things like congestion charge exemptions or clean air zone access.

However, some cities or regions may offer additional benefits for vehicles displaying green plates, which could be an incentive for those who want to take advantage of these schemes.

Eligibility: Which Vehicles Qualify for Green Plates?

To qualify for a green number plate, your vehicle must be fully electric or powered by hydrogen. This includes:

1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Cars that run purely on electricity, with no internal combustion engine.
2. Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicles: Vehicles that generate electricity from hydrogen fuel.

What’s not eligible?

• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These vehicles are not eligible for green plates as they still rely on a petrol or diesel engine in addition to the electric motor.
• Conventional Petrol or Diesel Vehicles: These vehicles are not eligible for green plates.

It’s essential to ensure your vehicle qualifies before ordering a green plate. If you are unsure, check your V5C logbook, which will indicate your vehicle’s fuel type. The V5C must show “electric” or “hydrogen” in the fuel type section for your vehicle to be eligible.

How to Get a Green Number Plate (Application & Fitting)

Getting a green number plate is a straightforward process, whether you’re a private EV owner or purchasing for a vehicle that is already in use.

For New EV Owners:

1. When Buying a New EV: Many new electric vehicles come with green plates as the default option. However, it’s a good idea to confirm with the dealership that you will receive a green plate when purchasing your EV.
2. If You Already Own an EV: If you already have an electric vehicle and want to switch to a green plate, you can purchase one from a registered number plate supplier. You’ll need to show your vehicle’s V5C logbook and proof of identity to ensure your vehicle qualifies.

Costs and Timeframe

The cost of a green number plate is similar to that of a standard number plate. You can expect to pay:

• £20 per plate (front or rear)
• £40 for a set (front and rear)

The time it takes to receive your plates will depend on the supplier. Some suppliers can print plates on-site, while others may require a few days to process the order.

At Official Plates, we make it easy to order green plates for any vehicle type. Visit our Electric Vehicle Number Plate listing to get started. As with any number plate purchase, be sure to check that the supplier you choose is registered with the DVLA. You can order your green plates from Official Plates with confidence that they meet all the legal requirements.

Green Number Plates in Other Countries

The UK isn’t the only country with a green number plate initiative. Several other countries have adopted similar systems to identify zero-emission vehicles. For example:

• Ontario, Canada has introduced green plates for electric vehicles, offering benefits like access to carpool lanes.
• Norway and China also use green plates, which come with benefits like free parking or toll exemptions.

The global adoption of green plates suggests that these plates are an effective way to promote zero-emission vehicles and encourage sustainable transport.

Future Outlook – Upcoming Incentives and Changes

As more EVs hit the roads in the UK, it’s expected that local benefits for vehicles with green plates will expand. Some local councils are already offering perks like free parking or exemption from congestion charges for EVs with green plates. These benefits may increase as the government continues to push for the transition to electric vehicles.

There’s also the possibility that more regions in the UK will introduce low-emission zones or toll exemptions that could benefit electric vehicles with green plates. For EV owners, staying ahead of these potential changes could provide additional cost savings in the future.

Conclusion

Green number plates are a simple yet effective way to identify electric vehicles and promote zero-emission transport. Whether you’re an individual EV owner, these plates offer visibility, potential savings, and an opportunity to enhance your brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Ready to get started? Visit Official Plates to order your green number plates today.