8 December 2020
- One in five (18%) say it may influence them to switch to an EV*
- Almost half (49%) considering buying an EV when they next switch cars**
- AA president one of first to choose a green plate for his EV
New green number plates are rolled out from today for zero-emission vehicles and could influence almost one in five to switch to an EV, according to research from the AA.
As part of the government’s plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, drivers will be encouraged to make the switch to electric vehicles through the introduction of green number plates. The plates will make it easier for cars to be identified as zero emission vehicles, helping local authorities design and put in place new policies to incentivise people to own and drive them.
To achieve government targets on zero emissions we need to encourage more drivers to switch and almost half of AA members say they will consider an EV when they next change their car
Drivers could benefit from local initiatives such as cheaper parking and cost-free entry into zero-emission zones where those with a green number plate will be recognised as eligible. The plates will be identifiable by a green flash on the left-hand side and will be available for zero emission vehicles only.
Edmund King OBE, AA president, said: “Most people choose an EV because they are great to drive, better for the environment and have lower running costs. However, almost one in five say the introduction of green number plates may influence them to switch to an EV so it is a move that we welcome.
“To achieve government targets on zero emissions we need to encourage more drivers to switch and almost half of AA members say they will consider an EV when they next change their car.
“I first drove an EV in 2001 and they have come on in leaps and bounds since then. Today I pleased to be one of the first to get a green plate on my EV.”
Eligibility
Only vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions (e.g. fully battery electric, or hydrogen fuel cell) will have the option of displaying the plates. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids (including range extenders) are not eligible. This applies to all vehicle types – cars, vans, taxis, motorbikes; and buses, coaches and HGVs.
Support
In an AA survey of 19,350 drivers conducted in April 2019, 37% of respondents agreed that newly registered BEVs should be fitted with green number plates to differentiate them from normal petrol/diesel vehicles. Some 40% didn’t know or had no opinion.
Non-mandatory
Green number plates should be supplied with new eligible vehicles, unless the customer does not want them. Vehicle retailers and dealers should therefore implement a process that provides for this.
For existing eligible vehicles, the vehicle keeper can approach a Registered Number Plate Supplier with original documents to prove their name and address and show they’re allowed to use the registration number on their vehicle, to purchase a new set of plates.
When will drivers switch? **
Almost half of drivers (49%) in an AA survey in October said they would consider buying an electric car when the next changed their car. This was an 2% increase compared to February 2020.
Younger respondents were most likely to consider buying an electric car (18-24’s 58%, 25-34s 60% and 35-44s 59%). Londoners were the most likely region (60%) to consider buying an electric car. Women were also slightly more likely to consider an electric car (51%) than men (49%), as were wealthier respondents (ABs, 57%).
Of those who would not consider buying an electric vehicle almost two thirds (64%) said they are too expensive, followed by the worry of battery range (62%) and not having enough charging points available (61%). Half of members (50%) who would not consider an electric car worry about the re-sale value.