Electric Car Number Plates

Like any other car, electric cars need to have number plates displayed on the front and back of the vehicle. The only difference is that electric car number plates have one extra detail that others do not. In June 2020, the transport secretary of the UK announced that green number plates would be fitted to new electric cars.

Each electric car number plate bears a flash of green, known as a green box or green stripe, on the far left of the plate before the letters start. This green box is what distinguishes cars number plates for electric vehicles from standard number plates used on other vehicles, such as hybrids or petrol and diesel cars. This additional colour indicates that the car is an electric vehicle, and it is designed to make them more easily identifiable on the roads. The idea behind these new number plates is to encourage more people to switch to electric cars. The government is hoping that by making electric vehicles more visible, more motorists will be encouraged to make the switch to cleaner vehicles.

EV number plates are special registration plates designed for electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK. These plates include a green strip on the left side, distinguishing electric cars from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. Introduced by the UK government, these plates are part of the country’s push towards cleaner, zero-emission transport.

Only cars with zero emissions can have the new electric car number plates. This includes all-electric vehicles, as well as hydrogen fuel cell cars. If you have an electric car registered before the 1st of April 2020, you are not eligible to have the new number plate. The same goes for hybrid cars; they do not count, as they are not zero-carbon emission vehicles. It is important to note that hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and other low-emission vehicles are not considered eligible vehicles for green number plates, as only a zero-emission vehicle qualifies for this incentive. Tesla cars are probably the most popular electric vehicles within the UK, and Tesla Number Plates are somewhat awkward due to requiring 1 mm-thick plates to fit into their slimmer brackets. Other popular brands of cars that would need an EV number plate include Toyota, particularly the Toyota Prius. However, we have yet to hear any feedback from our customers that Toyota Number Plates for the Prius need to be 1mm like the Tesla.

Beyond making electric cars more recognisable as a group, the new number plates have a few benefits. Firstly, electric car owners will be able to park for free in some areas. This is because many local councils offer free or discounted parking for electric cars as an incentive to encourage people to switch to cleaner vehicles. In addition, new policies being considered by local authorities could offer cheaper parking and other incentives for EV drivers displaying green number plates. Electric car drivers are also exempt from paying the London congestion charge.

Another advantage may be where electric cars can go. Cambridge City is trialling electric cars being able to access bus lanes, which may be rolled out to a broader area if successful. Most importantly of all, electric car number plates alert people easily to the fact that the car operates differently from other vehicles. This can be critical in certain scenarios, such as if an electric vehicle is involved in an accident, the general public and local authorities can quickly spot that difference, which means there may be a risk of high voltages or fire while carrying out rescue activities. Ergo, this information can lead to them being better prepared to deal with the accident.

Other benefits of Electric car number plates include:

• Access to Clean Air Zones (CAZs) – Some UK cities offer reduced or free access to low-emission zones for EVs.
• Future Incentives – With growing support for electric transport, many councils are offering free or discounted parking for EV owners, and new policies may introduce further benefits such as cheaper parking for EV drivers.
• Showcasing Sustainability – Displaying a green registration plate highlights your commitment to eco-friendly driving.

No, green number plates are not mandatory, but they are available for fully electric vehicles. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars do not qualify. If you drive an eligible EV, opting for a green plate can help distinguish your car and make it eligible for certain benefits. If you are registering a new EV, you can choose to have a green number plate, but it is not mandatory.

Additionally, zero-emission vehicles, including hydrogen fuel cell cars, benefit from government-backed incentives and infrastructure expansion. Many electric car owners and electric car drivers are also opting for green plates to easily identify themselves as part of the UK’s shift toward sustainable mobility solutions.

You can purchase new electric car number plates online. Visit our Number Plate Generator to create your own. To order, you will need to provide proof of your ID and that you own the car using the V5 document. This is the same requirement for changing your number plate to any other kind. If you want to differentiate your vehicle from the sea of other Tesla’s around you, you may want to consider opting for a 3D gel domed effect or our 4D acrylic lettered number plates.

Ordering your EV number plate is simple with JDM Plates. Follow these quick steps:

1. Choose Your Style – Select from standard, custom, or green registration plates.
2. Enter Your Registration – Provide your vehicle’s registration number.
3. Select Finishing Options – Add details like 3D effects or shortened plate designs.
4. Upload Your Documents – Ensure compliance by uploading proof of ownership and identity.

Place Your Order – We’ll manufacture and ship your plates to your doorstep.

None. Asides from the green band for electric vehicles, the DVLA has mandated that all number plates must be white on the front, and yellow on the rear, with solid black text. You cannot change the font or colours in any way. For a brief period, it was legal to use shades of grey within the lettering to create some different 3D effects, but these, along with any other form of refinement, have now been banned.