All of Ireland's electric cars (and buses, motorbikes, trucks, and vans) can, from July, wear a numberplate with a green flash at one end. The Department of Transport has confirmed that anew new EV can avail of one of the new plates (although they're not compulsory) and any existing EV can get a replacement plate from a suitable supplier.
What's the point of a green flash plate?
Good question. Such plates originated in Ontario, in Canada, as a way to quickly identify EVs so that they wouldn't have to pay tolls on roads. While Ireland has reduced toll charges for EVs, you don't need a green plate to enjoy that reduction. The UK has used green flash plates since 2020, and they're also used in Norway, China, and Germany.
As far as a point goes, the idea is one of 'nudge theory.' Basically, if electric cars become more visible - and most non-car enthusiast folk can't generally tell and EV apart from a conventional car - then they become more normalised as a vehicle choice in more peoples' minds, and therefore people become more accepting of them, and are potentially more likely to choose an EV next time out.
Critics say that they're just pointless virtue signalling, and that they remind other road users that electric car buyers - wealthy or otherwise - are enjoying significant Government subsidies to buy their new car.
What's the Government's rationale?
According to the Department of Transport: “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.”
“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,” said Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien. “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.”
According to Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, “We are pleased to support the implementation of green 'flash' plates for vehicles that emit no CO2 emissions. It's a simple visual marker, but one that reflects a growing shift in how people are thinking about transport. Revenue has ensured that all registration systems are aligned for a smooth rollout.”
Can you get a green flash plate for a plug-in hybrid?
No, you can't. Officially, a green flash plate is only valid for a vehicle that causes no CO2 emissions at the point of use, so that's fully electric vehicles (or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) only. However, it is notable that in the UK, it's quite common to see green flash plates on plug-in hybrids, usually big SUVs and presumably they're fitted to try and deflect criticism about driving a large, wasteful car.
Brian Cooke, director general of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) said: “The new electric vehicle green 'flash' on registration plates debuts alongside the commencement of the industry's 252 sales period. The industry embraces this increased promotion of battery electric vehicles and their enhanced visibility. With the positive increase in battery electric vehicle sales since the start of the year, combined with July being the second highest month for new car sales, we anticipate a swift appearance of electric vehicles carrying the green 'flash' plates on our roads.”