Why do electric cars have a green stripe on the number plate?
Certain cars have green stripes on their number plates. Is your vehicle eligible for one?
You may have noticed that some cars’ number plates have a vertical green stripe on the left-hand side. This indicates that the car is an electric vehicle (EV).
The green stripe also makes accessing perks like free parking and congestion zone exemptions easier for EV owners. Introduced in December 2020, the green stripe helps encourage the shift to our roads going fully electric and a greener future.
Read on to find out more about the green stripe.
- What the green stripe looks like
- Eligibility criteria for green number plates
- Benefits of having a green number plate
- How to get a green number plate
- FAQs
What the green stripe looks like
The green stripe on EV number plates is a small, vertical band located on the left side of the plate before the numbers and letters. It’s a green background with no additional symbols or text.
The stripe is only for fully electric vehicles, not hybrids or low-emission cars. It’s intended to be simple yet distinctive, making it easy to identify EVs at a glance while seamlessly blending with existing number plate designs.
Significance of the green stripe
The green stripe is a visual cue to draw attention to zero-emission vehicles, promoting environmental awareness and the advantages of driving electric. It plays a crucial role in different incentive schemes, such as free parking and congestion charge exemptions, making it easier for authorities to identify eligible vehicles.
This stripe is also part of broader efforts to encourage the adoption of electric cars, aligning with the UK’s goals of reducing carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner transport network.
Eligibility criteria for green number plates
Vehicle types that qualify
The green stripe on number plates is reserved for fully electric vehicles (EVs) only, meaning only cars that run entirely on electric power are eligible. This includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that produce zero tailpipe emissions.
Hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and other low-emission vehicles don’t qualify for the green stripe, as they rely partially on petrol or diesel engines.
Benefits of having a green number plate
Incentives and advantages
Owners of vehicles with the green stripe on their number plates enjoy various incentives to encourage people to drive EVs. These perks include:
👍 Exemptions from congestion charges
👍 Reduced or free parking in certain areas
👍 Access to low-emission zones
Additionally, the green stripe makes EVs more attractive for government grants and subsidies, lowering the overall cost of ownership. These benefits are part of broader efforts to promote sustainable transportation and reduce emissions.
Public perception and environmental impact
The green stripe on EV number plates positively impacts public perception, signalling a commitment to environmental sustainability. It emphasises the driver’s choice to reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to the increasing trend of eco-conscious living.
The visibility of green-striped plates also raises awareness about electric vehicles, encouraging others to consider switching to cleaner alternatives. Together, this shift contributes to reducing air pollution and supports the UK’s targets for lowering carbon emissions.
How to get a green number plate
Registering for a green number plate is straightforward. When you sell your car and buy a new electric vehicle, you can request the green stripe directly from the dealership or manufacturer.
If you own an electric vehicle, you can apply for a replacement number plate with the green stripe through the DVLA or an authorised number plate supplier. Ensure your vehicle is classified as fully electric in the DVLA records to qualify for the green stripe.
Step-by-step process for application
1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure your vehicle is fully electric and registered as such with the DVLA.
2. Select a supplier: Choose an authorised number plate supplier or contact your dealership if purchasing a new vehicle.
3. Submit application: Provide necessary documents, such as proof of ownership and vehicle registration details.
4. Receive green number plate: Once approved, your green-striped number plate will be produced and sent to you.
Install plate: Attach the new plate to your vehicle following standard installation guidelines.
Where you can purchase a green number plate and how much it costs
The cost of a green-striped number plate varies, typically from £20 to £50, depending on the supplier. When purchasing a new electric vehicle, you can buy these plates from authorised number plate suppliers, either online, in-store or directly from car dealerships.
Verifying that the supplier is registered with the DVLA is crucial to ensure that the plates meet UK legal standards and specifications.
FAQs
Do electric cars have to have a green stripe on the number plate?
No, electric cars in the UK aren’t required to have a green stripe on the number plate. It highlights zero-emission vehicles, offering potential benefits like parking incentives and congestion charge exemptions.
Do hybrids have green plates?
No, hybrids don’t qualify for green plates. The green stripe is reserved exclusively for fully electric vehicles (EVs) that produce zero tailpipe emissions. Hybrids, including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), aren’t eligible as they rely partially on petrol or diesel engines.
Is it time to sell your car?
Ready to learn more about valuing, maintaining, and selling your car? Check out our other guides here, covering everything from hybrid and electric car depreciation to converting your vehicle to dual-LPG fuel.