Following the recent news that the UK Government is considering green registration plates for electric vehicles (EVs) to increase EV take-up;

David Leggett, Automotive Editor at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

“The UK Government’s suggestion of providing green plates for EVs is to be welcomed. Enhancing visibility and awareness of zero-emission vehicles should encourage local authorities to consider additional measures, such as lower parking tariffs and bus lane use. However, the government needs to go much further if the aim is to make substantial progress towards net zero emissions by 2050. Achieving EV take-up on a much larger scale will require policymakers to consider a range of measures, of which green plates could certainly form a part.

“In Norway, for example, over half of the car market is now accounted for by electric vehicles because the country’s government decided that it would support a range of policies designed to make EVs more attractive to purchasers. The Norwegians have big tax breaks on purchases, EV drivers can use bus lanes, and there are parking fee exemptions, as well as savings for EV drivers on road and ferry tolls. Crucially, the Norwegian Government also helped to build an extensive battery fast-charging network.

“It comes down to total cost of ownership. People may be encouraged to switch if the purchase outlay and running costs combined are lower for the EV over the fossil-fuelled equivalent. Convenience is also a factor, though, emphasising the role of an extensive fast-charging network.”