Green EV Number Plates

Amid rising awareness of the climate crisis, many motorists have become interested in greener driving. Emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles are released into the atmosphere and can be damaging not only to our health, but can cause irreparable harm to the planet. 

Petrol and diesel-powered vehicles are a huge contributor to air pollution, pumping out fumes like carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides. Almost 90% of vehicles’ impact on the environment comes from the pollutants and greenhouse gases caused by fuel consumption. This has led to an increase in the number of hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles being manufactured, the latter producing zero emissions and creating a cleaner and more eco-friendly driving experience. 

Pure electric cars can frequently be seen displaying ‘green’ number plates; you may have noticed these in higher numbers since the UK government introduced the scheme in 2020. The new number plates have a small green stripe situated to the left of the usual characters and are not just limited to cars. Lorries, buses, taxis, and motorcycles can all use green plates, provided the vehicle meets the necessary zero-emissions criteria.

As cars move to electric power, traditional fuel powered vehicles will be phased out. From 2030, there will be no further manufacturing of diesel or petrol cars, and green number plates have been introduced to raise awareness of electric and low emission vehicles. As more drivers transition to fully electric vehicles, green number plates are a way of increasing the public’s interest in cleaner driving. 

Having a green number plate not only allows electric vehicles to be identified, but also brings some other incentives. Congested areas like London operate emissions charges for non-electric vehicles using ULEZ areas (Ultra-Low Emissions Zone), but those who own electric cars are free from such charges. With clean air zones and associated fees expanding to cities like Birmingham and Manchester, as well as the increase in price of fuel, the cost of driving a petrol or diesel vehicle is set to rise. This means that transitioning to an electric vehicle may make financial, as well as environmental, sense for drivers. In addition, there is the possibility that electric car owners may be allowed access to other benefits like cheaper parking and the use of previously restricted driving areas.

Not all electric vehicles in the UK currently display green number plates as the scheme was only recently introduced, but car manufacturers will likely include them on all newly produced electric vehicles. If you have an electric vehicle without green number plates you can add them easily by having new plates made and submitting proof of owning a zero-emission vehicle. While having green number plates for your electric car isn’t mandatory, they are a cool way to show pedestrians and other road users that you are doing your part for the planet. 

Green number plates can be made as a personalised plate in the same way as standard plates and your insurance will not be affected by fitting green plates onto your vehicle. If you happen to still own a car that is powered by petrol or diesel fuel, you will not be permitted to use the green number plates, they may only be displayed on an electric or zero-emission vehicle.