Green 'flash' plates for EVs are rolled out
Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien is pictured launching the green 'flash' registration plates with Brian Cooke, Director General of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).
A new green ‘flash’ on registration plates will make it easier to spot vehicles that emit no CO2 emissions on Irish roads. Since the start of July, the green ‘flash’ plates are available for all eligible new and existing electric vehicles. The new plate will look the same as current Irish registration plates but with an added green vertical stripe.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said the green ‘flash’ is designed to give visibility to vehicles that emit no CO2 emissions, supporting the shift to cleaner, greener transport across the country.
“This initiative helps make electric vehicles more visible, giving people and businesses a way to show their commitment to a cleaner transport future. It’s a small but effective step and a way for us to track progress on the ground and to normalise the idea of zero emission driving.
“The green flash is another part of our transition to electric. This year, over €100 million will be allocated to support EV adoption and infrastructure, with continued government supports and incentives to make EVs more accessible.”
The green ‘flash’ plate is available for all vehicles that produce zero emissions at the tailpipe. This includes fully battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and, in future, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The new plate can be fitted to cars, vans, motorbikes, trucks and buses that emit no CO2 emissions.
If you're buying a new electric vehicle, your dealership can provide you with the green plate. Existing EV owners can opt to retrofit existing plates with the green ‘flash’ through registration plate suppliers.
Ireland now joins countries like the UK, Germany and Norway in introducing distinct plates for electric vehicles. These identifiers are becoming a common way to highlight the presence of zero-emission vehicles on the roads.
The new registration plates will help create awareness around the changing societal norm as more people move away from polluting vehicles towards zero emission alternatives. Green ‘flash’ registration plates will allow consumers to demonstrate their choice of a green product. Research shows that this can have a positive influence on willingness of others to invest in more sustainable products.
The Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners have worked closely with Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI)/Department of Transport on the introduction of the new plates.
