Green Number Plates To Hit the Roads from Autumn 2020

As part of the UK government’s plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, it is confirmed that green number plates are to be introduced from autumn 2020 as part of a wider plan to promote low-emission transport.

The purpose of the green plate project is to encourage drivers to make the switch from more conventional, petrol and diesel vehicles, to the more sustainable, zero-emission, electric forms of transport.

Green plates will make these zero emission vehicles easily identifiable, aiding local authorities as they design and implement new incentivising policies with the aim of getting more people to own and drive them.

The plates will be identifiable by a green flash on the left-hand side and will be a visible indicator of growing electric vehicle (EV) ownership.

But why is this happening and what does this mean for you?

Why Green Plates?

The change is being made in an attempt to help people recognise the benefits electric vehicles bring to the environment, and to encourage the uptake of sustainable transport.

Only zero emission, full electric cars will be eligible to carry a green number plate in the UK, and the hope is that the more these vehicles are sighted, the more people will be encouraged to make the switch to EVs for good.

What Does This Mean for Drivers?

With these new number plates in circulation, it is suggested that those drivers with a zero emission, electric vehicle can expect to benefit from local incentives such as free or cheaper parking, the use of bus lanes and exemption from emission zone charges.

With the emphasis placed so heavily on sustainability, you might also expect to see a rise in both zero and low emission zones throughout cities in the UK. London, for example, is already famous for its congestion charges, and Bristol is now set to become the first UK city to completely ban diesel cars from its city centre.

As many car manufacturers are including EVs in their range, charging points are becoming more widely available and perhaps are set to become even more so following the introduction of green plates. You can find a map of available charging points here.

Other Benefits of EVs

As well as being a more sustainable choice than conventional petrol or diesel vehicles, there are a number of other great benefits to owning an EV.

One advantage is that EVs boast  lower running costs; the electricity needed to charge an EV works out at around a third of the price per kilometre as buying petrol for the same vehicle. You can use a variety of journey cost calculators to work out your savings.

What with no expensive exhaust systems, starter motors, fuel injectors or other costly components found in conventional vehicles, EVs are also cheaper to maintain. Batteries will eventually run out, but most car manufacturers have a 5-8 year warranty, and the batteries themselves are predicted to last from 10-20 years before needing to be replaced.

For drivers looking to make the switch to electric vehicles, it is important to research and understand both the benefits and the costs. For more information, check out our post on What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Vehicle.

Need Help With Your Electric Vehicle? 

At our Autocare Centre in Chepstow, we are an IMI qualified repair centre, meaning that our mechanics have the expert skills and specialist equipment needed in order to carry out services for your electric vehicle, including repairs, servicing, fault finding and MOTs.

To book in for your next electric vehicle MOT or simply to find out more about what we offer, get in touch with a member of our team today on 01291 627 137.