What does a green number plate mean?

You may have spotted a new look for certain number plates while driving in the UK. That’s because the UK government has introduced new green number plates for electric cars.

If you’re wondering what they are and why they’ve been introduced, here’s everything you need to know about these green registration plates.

What is a green number plate?

Green number plates can only be fitted to electric vehicles that produce zero tailpipe emissions.

They are still yellow and white, like conventional number plates. However, they have a green bar to the left of the lettering. This is to signify that the vehicle produces no tailpipe emissions.

When were green number plates introduced?

To ensure that electric cars are the future of sustainable transport and zero CO2 emissions in the UK, the government has introduced their Road to Zero strategy.

Part of this strategy involved the introduction of green number plates for electric cars in December 2020. These green electric-car number plates can be displayed on both newly registered and existing zero-emission electric vehicles.

The government scheme also includes the banning of petrol and diesel cars in 2030 and various incentives to help people buy electric cars.

Which electric vehicles can have green number plates?

Only zero-emission electric vehicles can display a green number plate. In other words, those that are 100% battery-powered electric cars.

This does not include hybrid or plug-in hybrid cars since they are not zero-emission vehicles.

It does however include other zero-emission vehicles, including cars, vans, buses, HGVs, taxis and motorcycles.

Why do we need green number plates on electric cars?

Since green number plates can be easily identified, it’s hoped that that they can raise awareness of zero-emission vehicles.

Because the vehicles are recognisable, local authorities could also potentially offer incentives to drivers of zero-emission electric cars. These could include:

• access to bus lanes
• free entry into zero-emissions zones
• cheaper or free parking

Incentives like these have not been introduced yet and will be up to local authorities to decide if they want to introduce them.

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “Not only will green number plates raise awareness of the increasing number of cleaner vehicles on our roads they could also unlock a number of incentives for drivers. It’s clear there has never been a better time to make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle.”

Do you have to display a green number plate?

No, green number plates aren’t compulsory for electric cars.

However, they will be fitted as standard on all new zero-emission electric vehicles. If you don’t want a green registration plate, you’ll have to notify your electric car dealer before the car gets registered.

If you own a zero-emission vehicle that was registered before December 2020, you can apply for a green number plate.

You will need to prove your name and address and that you have an eligible vehicle before you can buy a green number plate. You can find your nearest registered number plate supplier on gov.uk.

Are you ready for your number plate to go green?

As the popularity of electric vehicles increases, you’re likely to see even more green number plates on UK streets.

If you’d like to join them in your very own “green machine”, check out the range of electric vehicles at Nathaniel Cars.

We have zero-emission electric cars that are eligible for the new green number plate, including the:

• Fiat 500e
• MG ZS
• MG5

Come and speak to the EV experts at Nathaniel Cars to find out more.