Both new and used zero-emission vehicles can now display a green number plate as part of the government’s Road to Zero plan.
All newly registered and existing electric cars in the UK are now eligible to wear a green flash on their number plate to help distinguish them from internal-combustion-engine vehicles.
There were several possible number plate designs brought forward last year with the government opting for a design with a simple green flash down the left-hand side (pictured below)
UK transport secretary Grant Shapps announced this idea earlier in the year as part of wider plans to drive a “green economic recovery” in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The new number plates have been introduced to make it easier to identify zero-emission vehicles, “helping local authorities design and put in place new policies to incentivise people to own and drive them”.
Mr Shapps also said: “A green recovery is key to helping us achieve our net-zero carbon commitments while also promoting economic growth. Green number plates could unlock a number of incentives for drivers and increase awareness of cleaner vehicles on our roads, showing people that a greener transport future is within our grasp.”
Nottingham and electric vehicles
Our own city of Nottingham has been ahead of the curve for a while now with added incentives for electric vehicle drivers. It was the first city in the UK to introduce an electric vehicle/bus-only lane on the A612 Daleside Road/Colwick Park stretch of road.
Expect further incentives for being an electric vehicle driver as we move into the future!
What is the Road to Zero plan?
The idea of green number plates is part of the Department for Transports ‘Road to Zero’ strategy, which set out the Government’s ambition to see ultra-low-emissions vehicles form at least half of all car sales by 2030. Currently, on average, around 1% of newly registered vehicles are fully electric.
The Road to Zero plan is inspired by a similar scheme in Ontario, Canada, where drivers of clean vehicles have free access to toll lanes, among other perks. This has led to an increase in electric-vehicle registrations, raising hopes that similar results can be achieved in the UK.
To further accelerate the government’s plans to drive a green recovery, £12 million funding for ground-breaking research into the zero-emission market has also been announced to develop greener vehicles and help improve vehicle charging technology.
The funding, made available through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and delivered through Innovate UK, will see £10 million for a new Zero Emission Vehicle Innovation Competition. This will invite applicants to bid for project funding to support advancements in both battery-electric and hydrogen vehicles, as well as charging infrastructure.
OLEV is also providing £2 million to UK small and medium businesses to support their research into zero-emission vehicles in areas such as battery technology, which could be used by major vehicle manufacturers in future electric vehicle production.
The funding will help these businesses to drive local economic growth through research and development projects in areas including charging infrastructure and zero-emission vehicles, which could in turn create over 6,000 skilled jobs.
How to order your green number plate?
Read more about the green number plate scheme here and learn how to order.
How is Lindleys Autocentres moving with the electric car revolution?
Lindleys Autocentres has been investing in electric vehicle maintenance right from the start of the electric journey with over 50% of our staff now level 3 trained to work on electric vehicles.
We also offer MOT, servicing and tyres on all makes and models of ULEV vehicles.
