Green plates for green cars: UK boosts zero-emission transport

Britain will introduce a distinctive number plate for electric cars later this year to promote cleaner vehicles, the transport secretary said on Tuesday, as the country targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

File photo: A driver plugs a cable into a Source power point to charge his electric car in London, Britain. (REUTERS)
File photo: A driver plugs a cable into a Source power point to charge his electric car in London, Britain.

The new plates, which will carry a bright green stripe down one side, will help authorities identify electric vehicles, making it easier for their drivers to access incentives such as cheaper parking and exemptions from emissions charges.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the initiative would raise awareness of cleaner vehicles and show Britons "a greener transport future is within our grasp".

"A green recovery is key to helping us achieve our net-zero carbon commitments while also promoting economic growth," he said in a statement.

Also check these Cars

Find more Cars
Mercedes Benz Amg Eqs (HT Auto photo)
107.8 kWh | Electric | Automatic | 529 Km
₹ 2.45 Cr* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Maruti Suzuki Baleno (HT Auto photo)
1197 cc | Petrol | Manual
₹ 6.50 - 10 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Porsche Macan (HT Auto photo)
1984 cc | Petrol | Automatic (Dual Clutch) | 12.35 kmpl
₹83.21 Lakhs - 1.36 Cr* Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Mercedes Benz C-class 2022 (HT Auto photo)
1496 cc | Petrol | Automatic (TC)
₹ 55 - 61 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Hyundai Kona Electric (HT Auto photo)
₹ 23.79 - 23.98 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Mahindra Ekuv100 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 8.25 - 10 Lakhs* *Expected Price
View Details

Additionally, the government has allocated 12 million pounds ($15.17 million) to fund research into zero-emission technology, including developing greener vehicles and improving existing car battery charging technology.

Tuesday's announcement follows a public consultation in October as part of the government's 1.5 billion pound "Road to Zero" strategy to slash emissions from road transport.

Only zero-emission vehicles will be eligible to receive the new registration plates.

Also Read : Charging points surge ahead of electric car boom

Leading automotive services company RAC Ltd said the move alone was unlikely to spur real change in consumer behaviour and called for further financial incentives to encourage drivers to make the switch.

"We'd like to see more direct financial incentives to bring the cost of EVs (electric vehicles) down, as drivers tell us it's the cost that's one of the biggest barriers to them opting for an EV," RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said.

Also Read : Electric vehicles will take decades to fully replace cars run on fuel, says GM CEO Mary Barra

The Telegraph reported last week that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was considering giving drivers up to 6,000 pounds to swap their diesel and petrol cars for electric vehicles.

Edmund King, president of British motoring association AA Plc, said the distinctive licence plates could instil a sense of pride among drivers, adding that more than a third of AA members backed the initiative.

"Having a green flash on the number plate may become a badge of honour for some drivers," he said in a statement.

First Published Date: 17 Jun 2020, 08:03 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS
Shopping Bag Shop Now
70% OFF
VENO Portable High Power 2 in 1 Car Vacuum Cleaner | USB Rechargeable Wireless Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner Traveling, Camping Reusable and Sustainable (2 in 1 Vacuum Cleaner)
Rs. 899 Rs. 2,999
1% OFF
Godrej aer O – Hanging Car Air Freshener | Car Accessories | Cool Aqua (7.5g)
Rs. 98 Rs. 99
68% OFF
PUNZONE Car Body Scratch Remover - Scratch Repair Polishing Wax Kit Sponge Body Compound Cream Wax, Car Body Compound Scratch Remover
Rs. 289 Rs. 898
65% OFF
Ambrane 38W Fast Car Charger with Dual Output, Quick Charge 3.0 and Power Delivery, Type-C & USB Port, Wide Compatibility for Smart Phones (RAAP C38 A, Black)
Rs. 349 Rs. 999

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.