Yep, green number plates are a thing.
In this post, we'll be telling you what they are, how can you get a hold of one, and what they can do for you.
What's the Point of Green Number Plates?
Green plates are part of the government's Road to Zero strategy to help promote and achieve a zero-emissions future by 2050, encouraging drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles (not including plug-ins and hybrids).
They came into use in the UK on December 8th, 2020, and make it easier for cars to be identified as zero-emission vehicles so that drivers can qualify for certain benefits.
What do Green Plates Look Like?
Just for the record, not all green number plates are actually fully green. Many just come with a green line down the left-hand side. Like with standard number plates, the front plate will have a white background, and the rear plate a yellow background.
Will Green Plates Encourage More People to Make the Switch to Electric?
As we've said, the whole point of a green registration plate is to get drivers to make the switch to EVs, but not everyone agrees on whether they're really up to the task of bringing that about.
At the end of the day, the success of the green plate scheme largely depends on how many benefits a driver can obtain. And 2050 is still a long way away, so there's plenty of time for even more to be introduced.
What are the Benefits, Exactly?
Local authorities are responsible for designing and eventually implementing new policies and initiatives to the benefit of electric car drivers. The main benefits are:
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Cheaper parking
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Access to bus lanes
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Cost-free entry into zero-emission zones
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More sustainable, environmentally-friendly materials, as opposed to the traditional acrylic plates
Are Green Number Plates Compulsory?
No, they're not compulsory and they're not a legal requirement, although new EVs will have them fitted as standard. So if you don't want them, you'll need to notify the dealer before the car is registered.
Where Can I Get a Green Number Plate?
If you’re getting an electric car, you can ask the dealership to fit a green registration plate. Or if you already have an electric car without a green number plate, then you can get one fitted.
Green number plates can be applied for at any registered number plate supplier. They can also be purchased at any Halfords store nationwide.
We'd advise you to contact your chosen store beforehand to ensure that the plates are available.
How Much do Green Number Plates Cost?
Green number plates can be purchased either individually (front or rear) or as a pair, and you can expect to pay anything from £20 to £40.
But not just anyone can buy them. Because green number plates are intended exclusively for electric vehicles, you’ll need to prove that you're an EV driver by bringing along or showing your vehicle’s V5C document (confirming you as the registered keeper, plus some form of ID, as well.
Do Other Countries Use Green Number Plates?
Certainly do.
Hungary, Norway, China and Canada each have similar initiatives, and they've all reported an increase in the number of electric car drivers because of it.
Summary
So, that's your definitive crash course in green number plates.
An extra reason to consider ditching the good ole' petrol and diesel cars, and making the switch to electric.
FAQs
What does a green number plate mean?
A green number plate basically signals that a vehicle is electric, giving you access to various benefits from local authorities.
Can hybrids have a green plate?
No, you can't get a green number plate for a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Only fully zero-emission electric cars are eligible.
What are the incentives for green number plates?
Cheaper parking, cost-free entry into zero-emission zones, and more environmentally-friendly materials.
What country has a green number plate?
Multiple countries, including Norway, Hungary, China, Canada, and of course, the UK.