Green Number Plates for Electric Vehicles

Posted on: Oct 27, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Green Number Plates for Electric Vehicles

Green colour number plates are quite common in cities of India. These green plates indicate electric cars. The government is encouraging the use of electric cars as part of its plan to phase out gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2030. It's now mandatory for all-electric cars, regardless of when they were purchased, to have this distinctive green number plate. So, if you are an e-vehicle owner, you need to ensure that you fulfil the two mandatory obligations. One is the green number plate, and the other is car insurance . If you want to know more about green number plates, read this blog till the end.

What is the Green Colour Number Plate in India?

In India, a green number plate is a particular license plate designed for electric cars. These plates have a white number on a green background and a green strip on the left side to set them apart from regular plates. The purpose of these green plates is to show support for eco-friendly electric vehicles.

When did India launch the Green Number Plate?

In December 2020, India extended eligibility for green number plates to all-electric vehicle owners, both new and existing ones. These green plates can be easily distinguished from regular ones by the presence of a distinctive green stripe along the left side.

Why India Needs Green Number Plates?

India introduced green number plates as part of its commitment to promoting and supporting electric vehicles (EVs) for several important reasons:

1. Identification and Promotion

Green number plates make electric vehicles easily identifiable, allowing for efficient monitoring and promotion of EV adoption. This visibility helps raise awareness about electric mobility and encourages more people to consider EVs as a viable transportation option.

2. Environmental Concerns

India, like many countries, faces significant environmental challenges, including air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. Promoting electric vehicles, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, is a key strategy to combat these issues and improve air quality.

3. Less Reliance on Fossil Fuels

By transitioning to electric vehicles, India can reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, which are costly and contribute to environmental degradation. EVs can be charged using domestically generated electricity, including renewable sources, promoting energy independence.

4. Supporting Green Technology

Encouraging the use of green number plates supports the development and adoption of green technology. This can stimulate innovation in the EV sector, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.

5. Global Commitments

India has made international commitments to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Promoting EVs aligns with these commitments and helps India meet its climate goals.

6. Reducing Noise Pollution

Electric vehicles are quieter than traditional internal combustion engines, reducing noise pollution in urban areas and leading to a more pleasant and peaceful environment.

7. Economic Benefits

Promoting electric vehicles can stimulate investment in EV manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and related industries, providing economic opportunities and improving the overall economy.

8. Reducing Traffic Congestion

In some places, green number plate holders may receive preferential treatment, such as access to carpool lanes and exemptions from certain restrictions, which can help reduce traffic congestion in cities.

How To Apply For a Green Number Plate?

Obtaining a green number plate for your electric car in India is a process similar to registering any other vehicle.

The required documents to be given to the local Regional Transport Office (RTO) for electric car registration in India include:

1. Proof of identity (e.g., Voter ID, Aadhar Card, Driving License or PAN Card).

2. Proof of address (such as Aadhar Card, utility bills like water, electricity, or telephone, Indian Passport).

3. A completed application form linked with vehicle registration (Form CMV20).

4. The sales certificate for your electric car.

5. A copy of your vehicle's active insurance.

Here are the steps to follow for electric vehicle registration:

1. Visit your RTO with all the necessary documents and the completed vehicle registration form, which you can download from the Parivahan portal.

2. Submit all the required documents and pay any applicable fees.

3. An RTO official will conduct a physical inspection of your electric vehicle.

How Do Indian Vehicle Number Plates Differ?

On Indian roads, we come across a variety of number plates with different colours, and each colour serves a specific purpose. Let's delve into what each type of number plate signifies.

1. White Number Plate

This is the most common type. It's white with black numbers. It designates a private vehicle meant for personal use only. You can't use it for commercial purposes.

2. Yellow Number Plate

A yellow plate with black numbers indicates a commercial vehicle, such as a taxi or goods carrier. Driving such a vehicle requires a commercial permit.

3. Green Number Plate

A green plate with white numbers represents an eco-friendly electric vehicle. This type can be private or commercial, with font colour distinguishing the use.

4. Blue Number Plate

Blue plates with white letters are for foreign diplomats and consist of country codes instead of state codes. They include alphabets like DC, CC, UN for Diplomatic Corps, Consular Corps, and United Nations.

5. Black Number Plate

Black plates with yellow numbers are for certain commercial vehicles whose drivers don't need a commercial driving permit. Rental services or luxury hotels often use these for transportation.

6. Indian Army Number Plate

These plates are authorised by the Indian government and used by the Indian Army. They have distinctive backgrounds: black/green with red stars for the Army, sky blue for the Air Force, and Navy blue for the Navy.

7. Red Number Plate

Red number plates signify brand-new vehicles that still need to receive permanent registration. They use temporary numbers with a one-month validity.

8. Red Number Plate with Indian Emblem

This type indicates that the vehicle belongs to the President of India or the governors of various states. It's a special number plate featuring the Indian emblem on a red background.

The different colours and designs help quickly and easily identify the vehicle's purpose, ownership, or special status, making it easier to regulate and manage the diverse vehicles on Indian roads.

Will Green License Plates Encourage High EV Sales?

Whether a program works well depends a lot on how it helps drivers. Just having green number plates might not be enough to make people switch to electric cars. To get more people to make the switch, we need to offer them long-term benefits for buying electric cars and invest a lot in charging stations. These charging stations should be easily accessible so drivers feel as confident charging their electric cars as they do filling up their regular cars with fuel.

India's Green Number Plate Rules

As per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, every vehicle in India must have a proper registration and license plate issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

To prevent fraud and avoid confusion, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has brought new rules for electric vehicle (EV) registration plates. Initially, EV plates had a green bar on the bottom left, setting them apart from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. Nonetheless, there have been a few changes over time.

Under the updated rules, here are some important things to know:

1. Electric vehicle number plates should have a green-coloured background with white or yellow numbers and letters.

2. Private electric vehicles use white lettering, while commercial electric vehicles use yellow lettering.

Can a Hybrid Car Use a Green Plate?

Hybrid cars operate using a blend of electric power and conventional fuel, so they aren't considered zero-emission vehicles. This is the reason why they do not qualify for green number plates. They are typically reserved for vehicles that produce no emissions directly from their tailpipes, like fully electric cars, to promote eco-friendly transportation.

Conclusion

Green number plates symbolise India's commitment to eco-friendly electric vehicles. To boost EV sales, it's not just about the plates; long-term benefits, charging infrastructure, and tailored insurance options are essential. As India aims to phase out traditional vehicles, supporting electric cars is vital for a greener future.

When it comes to protecting your electric vehicle, having the right insurance coverage is essential. While a third party insurance cover is mandatory, it is recommended that you invest in a policy that also covers your own damages. Therefore, investing in comprehensive insurance for your EV is a better idea. This ensures that both your investment and environmental consciousness are well safeguarded.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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