What Are Green EV Number Plates?
You may have noticed newer cars with a distinctive green flash on the left-hand side of their number plate. These are known as green number plates, and they’re designed to identify zero-emission vehicles such as fully electric or hydrogen-powered cars. Introduced in the UK in December 2020, the scheme was part of the Government’s wider Road to Zero strategy, which aims to encourage the transition to cleaner transport. The idea is to make it easier to spot electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, raise awareness of sustainable driving, and pave the way for potential benefits and incentives for those who’ve made the switch.
Why were green EV number plates introduced?
Green number plates are a clear, visible commitment to the future of low-carbon travel from the British government. This is because the UK is working towards banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the future. So, the distinctive green strip helps promote the visibility and uptake of vehicles that produce zero exhaust emissions.
They also serve a practical purpose for local authorities. With an easy way to identify electric vehicles, councils can introduce benefits such as discounted parking, access to bus lanes, or reduced charges in Clean Air Zones. In addition, by creating a recognisable symbol, the government can encourage more drivers to consider switching to a fully electric model.
Who qualifies for a green number plate?
Only vehicles that produce zero emissions are eligible for green number plates. These include:
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which are cars powered purely by electricity
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs), which produce only water vapour as a by-product
Plug-in hybrids and traditional hybrids, even though they can operate partly on electric power, don’t qualify because they still use internal combustion engines.
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, check your V5C registration document. If it confirms that your car is a zero-emission vehicle, you’ll be able to request green plates when you next buy or replace your registration plates.
Are green number plates mandatory?
No, there’s no legal requirement to display green plates on your EV, even if it is eligible. They’re totally optional, so you can continue to use a standard plate on your electric car if you prefer.
However, the green flash is a quick and easy way to show that your vehicle is emission-free. For some owners, it’s a point of pride that reflects their commitment to cleaner transport. Others prefer to fit them in anticipation of future incentives that might rely on easy vehicle identification. Similar to how disabled badges can easily identify a vehicle parked in a disabled bay as having the right to do so.
It’s also important to note here that displaying a green plate on a car that isn’t zero-emission is illegal. Doing so could result in a fine of up to £1,000, so it’s always worth checking eligibility before ordering.
Green EV Plates by Jepson & Co
How can you get a green EV number plate?
If you drive a fully electric or hydrogen-fuelled vehicle, getting a green plate is straightforward. You’ll need to buy it from a DVLA-registered number plate supplier, who will ask for proof of identity and ownership (such as your V5C logbook). This makes sure the plates are only fitted to vehicles that genuinely meet the zero-emission criteria.
Once verified, you can choose to have your existing number plate reissued with the green strip, or order a new set entirely if you’re buying a private or personalised registration, for example. If your car is leased or on finance, it’s always best to check with the provider before replacing the number plates.
As with all number plates, you’ll need to make sure they meet legal size, font, and spacing requirements. A registered supplier like Jepson & Co, the parent company of National Numbers, can produce fully compliant green number plates that meet all DVLA regulations.
Buy your green number plates with National Numbers
If you already own a zero-emission vehicle and in the market for a private number plate, we can supply official green EV number plates as part of the number plate buying process.
To ensure eligibility, these are currently available by phone order only. Simply give our team a call on 01642 363738, and we’ll confirm your vehicle’s details before having your new plates produced by Jepson & Co, our parent company.
All number plates can feature the green strip if your vehicle is eligible, so search for any name, initials, or word that tickles your fancy and find the perfect private reg today.