A new green ‘flash’ on registration plates will make it easier to spot fully electric vehicles on Irish roads from next month, as Ireland introduces a new visual marker for zero-emission transport.
From July, all eligible new and existing electric vehicles can be fitted with updated registration plates featuring a vertical green stripe.
The stripe will appear on the left-hand side of standard Irish number plates and will apply to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and, in future, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Announcing the rollout, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said the green ‘flash’ is designed to highlight vehicles that emit no CO2 emissions and support Ireland’s transition to cleaner transport.
“This initiative helps make electric vehicles more visible, giving people and businesses a way to show their commitment to a cleaner transport future,” he said.
“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.”
The new EV plates will be available for all vehicle types, including cars, vans, motorbikes, buses and trucks, provided they produce zero tailpipe emissions.
Buyers of new electric vehicles will receive green plates from their dealership, while existing EV owners will be able to retrofit their current number plates through approved plate suppliers.
The Department of Transport confirmed that the rollout of green registration plates has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners, and Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), ensuring a smooth nationwide launch.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe welcomed the move, saying: “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.”
Ireland now joins countries like the UK, Germany and Norway in introducing green number plates to identify electric vehicles.
Research suggests that such visible indicators help raise awareness of zero-emission transport and can positively influence consumer behaviour.
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has supported the measure and expects the new plates to become common on Irish roads quickly, especially as July marks the beginning of the 252 new car registration period.
SIMI Director General Brian Cooke 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.”
More than €100 million in government funding will be allocated this year to support electric vehicle infrastructure and adoption, with incentives continuing to encourage drivers and businesses to choose low-emission vehicles.
The green ‘flash’ registration plates are optional but expected to become a common sight across Ireland as EV ownership continues to rise.
The plates are part of Ireland’s wider efforts to reduce transport emissions and meet its climate targets in the years ahead.