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What are Green (EV) Number Plates?

May 10, 2023

What are Green (EV) Number Plates?

Green EV plates in the UK have been introduced to promote the use of electric vehicles and to help support the country's transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon transport system. These distinctive number plates feature a green flash on the left-hand side and the letters "EV" in bold, black characters, making it easy to identify which vehicles are electric.

One of the main aims of the green EV plates is to raise awareness about the growing number of EVs on the road. By making it clear which vehicles are electric, the green plates help to show that electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly common and accessible choice for drivers. This can help to break down barriers and misconceptions about electric vehicles, and encourage more people to consider making the switch to zero-emissions transport.

Another key benefit of the green EV plates is that they make it easier for local authorities to identify and track the use of electric vehicles. This information can be used to plan and develop EV infrastructure, such as charging points, which is essential for ensuring that EVs can be charged conveniently and reliably.

In addition to these benefits, green EV plates can also offer some practical advantages for EV drivers. For example, some local councils offer free or discounted parking for electric vehicles displaying green plates, and EVs with green plates are exempt from the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge in London and other low-emission zones. They may also be eligible for other incentives, such as reduced tolls and congestion charges.

The green EV plates were introduced in December 2020, following a consultation by the UK government. They are available for pure electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, but not for plug-in hybrid vehicles. This is because plug-in hybrids have a combustion engine as well as an electric motor, so they still produce some emissions.

The green EV plates are not mandatory for EV owners, but the government is encouraging more drivers to adopt them to help raise awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles. The plates are a simple and effective way to promote the use of EVs, and to show that electric vehicles are a viable and sustainable choice for drivers.

In summary, the introduction of green EV plates in the UK is a positive step towards promoting the use of electric vehicles and reducing carbon emissions from road transport. By making it easier to identify and incentivize EV drivers, the green plates can help to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon transport system.

If you have an Electric Vehicle and want some Green (EV) Number Plates made up, we can make them for you here at Sweven Plates. Let us know in the notes section at checkout that you want an EV Plate.