Number plates get a green edge for electric cars

Electric cars will be allowed to wear green-labelled number plates from this autumn, the government has confirmed.

The plates will make it easier for vehicles to be identified as zero emission, which will help authorities see which cars are allowed to enter low-emission zones and use incentives such as free parking. It would also mean ICE drivers who park in EV only charging bays could be quickly identified and fined. 

Green flashes on EV plates could help parking enforcement weed out the ICEers from charging bays

The new EV plates will be identifiable by a green flash on the left-hand side, where the blue GB and European Union stars are more usually seen on most modern cars. The green flashes will - in theory – only be available for zero emission vehicles. They will not be compulsory however. 

Several other countries have similar schemes, with EV lettering or different coloured backgrounds on plates to denote zero-emission vehicles. These often receive free parking and can use bus lanes in cities. The government is encouraging councils in the UK to look at similar incentives.

Norway and several other countries already have green or 'E' marked plates to denote electric cars

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “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.”

The green flash replaces the more common blue 'GB' and European Union stars to the left of the plate.