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.
For example, 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.
Transport Secretary said: “A green recovery
is key to helping us achieve our net zero carbon
commitments while also promoting economic growth.
“Green number plates could unlock a number of incentives for
drivers and increase awareness of cleaner vehicles on our
roads, showing people tha…
This follows the conclusion of a consultation,
inviting comments from the public, local authorities
and industry stakeholders from a range of sectors including
motoring and consumer groups and vehicle manufacturers on how
best to introduce green number plates.
To further accelerate the government’s plans to drive a
green recovery, £12m funding for
ground-breaking research into the zero-emission
market has also been announced to develop greener
vehicles and help improve vehicle charging
technology.
The funding, made available through the Office for Low Emission
Vehicles (OLEV) and delivered through Innovate
UK, will see £10million for a new Zero-Emission Vehicle
Innovation Competition. This will invite applicants to bid for
project funding to support advancements in both battery electric
and hydrogen vehicles, as well as charging
infrastructure.
OLEV is also providing £2million to UK small and medium
businesses to support their research into zero-emission vehicles
in areas such as battery technology, which could be used by
major vehicle manufacturers in future electric
vehicle production.
The funding will help these businesses to drive local economic
growth through research and development projects in
areas including charging infrastructure
and zero-emission vehicles, which could in turn strengthen
UK industrial expertise and create jobs.
Notes to editors
Zero emission vehicle competition
(ZEVIC):
- Today’s announcement of a new zero-emission vehicle
competition is part of OLEV’s ambitious R&D portfolio, which
focusses on innovative on-vehicle and charging
infrastructure technology development.
- Co-funded with industry, ZEVIC will build on the diverse
range of projects supported by OLEV, advancing zero-emission
automotive technology and strengthening the UK’s industrial and
supply chain capability.
o We are welcoming
projects which offer solutions in: Power Electronics, Machines
and Drives (PEMD); energy storage; lightweighting; design
and simulation work for zero emission HGVs; hydrogen and
innovation in advancing battery capability. We are also
interested in projects which can improve EV charging capability
particularly for on-street, wireless and energy storage and
vehicle-to-grid technologies.
o To support local
economic growth, we will work with local authorities who often
form part of our R&D project consortiums. They are typically
involved with projects which focus on charging infrastructure or
for ultra-low or zero-emission technologies which decarbonise
council owned fleets, such as refuse lorries.
Niche Vehicle Network:
- The NVN is an independent association of over 900 niche
vehicle manufacturers, specialist technology and design and
engineering companies. The NVN’s collaborative R&D programme
supports innovative, SME-led projects focussing on developing and
demonstrating low-carbon vehicle technologies.
- Successful organisations have developed technology in the
commercial, bus, taxi, car, motorcycle and off-highway
industries. A proportion of projects have also been used by
vehicle manufacturer), for manufacture of ultra-low and zero
emission automotive components.
Green number plates:
Green number plates are being introduced to the whole of the
UK
