Green Number Plate in India for Electric Vehicles

Get a comprehensive view of green number plates and the process to get one for your electric vehicle. Understand their role in India's electric vehicle landscape.
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3 min
10-May-2024

Different types of number plates in India

In India, vehicles are identified and categorised through various types of number plates. Each type serves a specific purpose and signifies different classifications of vehicles.

Type of registration plates in India

Specifications

White

Common Indian citizens

Yellow

Commercial vehicles

Green

Electric vehicles

Black

Rental vehicles

Red

Temporary registration number plate.

Blue

Foreign vehicle users, usually Ambassadors and foreign delegates.

Red with India’s emblem

President of India or Governor of a State.

Number plate with an upward arrow

Military vehicles

HSRP

High-security registration plate


Also check: High Security Registration Plate

White number plates

  • White number plates are commonly used for private vehicles.
  • They display black text on a white background and contain alphanumeric characters.
  • These plates are issued to non-commercial vehicles for personal use.

Yellow number plates

  • Yellow number plates are designated for commercial vehicles.
  • They feature black text on a yellow background and include both letters and numbers.
  • Commercial vehicles such as taxis, buses, and trucks are required to display yellow plates.

Green number plates

  • Green number plates are exclusive to electric vehicles (EVs) in India.
  • They distinguish EVs from conventional vehicles and signify their eco-friendly nature.
  • These plates help promote the adoption of electric mobility and support environmental sustainability initiatives.

Red number plate

  • Red number plates are associated with vehicles that belong to the diplomatic or consular corps.
  • These plates are issued to foreign diplomats and signify that the vehicle enjoys certain privileges and exemptions.

Blue number plate

  • This number plate is reserved for vehicles used by foreign delegates, consulates, and international organisations.
  • It distinguishes these vehicles from regular traffic and indicates their diplomatic status.

Black number plate

  • Black number plates are used by self-rental vehicles (bikes and cars) in India.
  • They are registered as commercial vehicles.

Number plate with an upward-pointing arrow

  • This type of number plate is used by military vehicles in India.
  • An upward-pointing arrow characterises the first part of the number plate.

Red number plate with the Emblem of India

  • Vehicles carrying the President, Prime Minister, Governors, and Lieutenant Governors sport a red number plate adorned with the emblem of India.
  • This signifies the high rank and importance of the occupants.

Check out the fancy registration numbers for cars and bikes.

Benefits and incentives for electric vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) in India are eligible for various benefits and incentives aimed at promoting their adoption and reducing carbon emissions. These incentives make EVs more attractive to consumers and contribute to sustainable transportation solutions.

Lower operating costs

EV owners benefit from lower operating costs due to the relatively cheaper price of electricity compared to petrol or diesel. Additionally, maintenance costs for EVs are typically lower as they have fewer moving parts and require less frequent servicing.

Tax exemptions

Electric vehicles have lower road tax and registration fees compared to conventional vehicles. These tax exemptions make EV ownership more affordable and encourage consumers to transition to electric mobility.

Regulatory requirements for green number plates

Regulatory authorities have established specific requirements and guidelines for issuing green number plates to electric vehicles (EVs) in India. These requirements ensure compliance with safety standards, vehicle registration procedures, and environmental regulations.

Vehicle eligibility

Only electric vehicles certified by designated authorities are eligible for green number plates. EVs must meet specified criteria related to battery capacity, range, and emissions to qualify for green plates.

Documentation

EV owners must submit relevant documents, including proof of vehicle purchase, registration certificate, and emissions certification. These documents are essential for verifying the vehicle's eligibility and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Inspection and verification

Before issuing green number plates, regulatory authorities conduct inspections to verify the vehicle's compliance with safety and emissions standards. Inspections may include checks on battery performance, emissions levels, and overall vehicle condition.

Also read: Car Insurance Policy

Importance of motor insurance for green number plate vehicles

Legal compliance

Just like their conventional counterparts, vehicles with green number plates are mandated by law to be covered by motor insurance as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This insurance coverage is essential not only to protect the vehicle owner against financial liabilities but also to comply with legal requirements.

Risk mitigation

While green number plate vehicles may be associated with lower emissions and environmental impact, they are not immune to the risks inherent in everyday driving. Motor insurance provides crucial financial protection against risks such as accidents, theft, natural calamities, and third-party liabilities, ensuring peace of mind for EV and alternative fuel vehicle owners.

Electric vehicle insurance

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly prevalent on the roads, having the right insurance coverage is essential. Electric vehicle insurance provides coverage tailored to the specific characteristics and requirements of EV owners, ensuring comprehensive protection for sustainable mobility.

Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall motor insurance plans from leading insurance partners. It allows you to compare quotes and choose the policy that best suits your needs and budget. With a user-friendly interface and transparent information, find the right insurance coverage with just a few clicks.

How to obtain a green number plate

Obtaining a green number plate for an electric vehicle (EV) involves following a similar procedure to any other vehicle as defined by regulatory authorities and the regional transport office (RTO). The process includes submitting necessary documents, paying applicable fees, and undergoing vehicle inspections.

Document submission:

EV owners must submit documents the following documents to the RTO:

  • Proof of identity (such as Voter ID, Aadhar Card, Driving Licence, etc).
  • Proof of address (such as Aadhar Card, utility bills, Indian Passport, etc.).
  • A completed application form linked with vehicle registration (Form CMV20).
  • The sales certificate for your electric car.
  • A copy of your vehicle's active insurance policy.

Fee payment:

Applicants are required to pay the prescribed fees for green number plate issuance and vehicle inspection.

The fee structure varies depending on the region and the specific requirements of the RTO.

Vehicle inspection:

An RTO official will conduct physical inspections to verify the vehicle's compliance with safety and emissions standards. Inspections may include checks on battery performance, emissions levels, and overall vehicle condition to ensure eligibility for green plates.

After successful inspection, the registration papers and a unique registration number will be provided by the RTO authorities within a few days.

Green number plates explained

Green number plates serve as a distinctive identifier for electric vehicles (EVs) on Indian roads, signifying their eco-friendly nature and contribution to reducing carbon emissions. These plates play a crucial role in promoting the adoption of electric mobility and supporting environmental sustainability initiatives.

Visibility and recognition

Green number plates make EVs easily recognisable, allowing other road users to identify and differentiate them from conventional vehicles. The distinctive colour helps raise awareness about electric mobility and encourages public acceptance of EVs as a viable transportation option.

Promotion of electric mobility

By highlighting electric vehicles through green number plates, authorities aim to promote their adoption. The visibility of EVs on roads encourages consumers to consider electric mobility as a sustainable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

Environmental awareness

Green number plates serve as a visual reminder of the environmental benefits associated with electric vehicles. They symbolise India's commitment to reducing air pollution, conserving natural resources, and combating climate change through the adoption of cleaner transportation solutions.

Impact of green number plates on the environment

Green number plates play a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. By identifying electric vehicles (EVs) and incentivising their adoption, green plates contribute to mitigating air pollution, conserving natural resources, and combating climate change.

Air quality improvement:

  • Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing the release of harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM).
  • The widespread adoption of EVs facilitated by green number plates helps improve air quality and mitigate the adverse health effects of pollution.

Reduction of carbon emissions:

  • EVs powered by electricity generated from renewable energy sources contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
  • By encouraging the transition to electric mobility, green number plates support efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming.

Conservation of natural resources:

  • Electric vehicles rely on electricity as their primary fuel source, reducing dependence on fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel.
  • The conservation of natural resources, including petroleum and coal, helps preserve the environment and promote sustainable energy use.

Climate change mitigation:

  • Green number plates promote the adoption of electric vehicles as part of broader efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve environmental sustainability.
  • EVs play a crucial role in reducing the transportation sector's carbon footprint and transitioning towards a greener, cleaner future.

Frequently asked questions

What do green number plates on vehicles signify?

Green number plates signify that the vehicle is electric, indicating its eco-friendly nature and contribution to reducing carbon emissions.

Why do electric vehicles have green number plates?

Electric vehicles have green number plates to distinguish them from conventional vehicles and promote their adoption of environmental sustainability.

What are the benefits and incentives associated with green number plates?

Electric vehicles usually attract lower road tax and registration fees compared to conventional cars. This makes owning EVs not just environmentally beneficial but affordable in the long run as well.

How to obtain a green number plate in India?

Obtaining a green number plate for an electric vehicle (EV) involves following a similar procedure to any other vehicle as defined by regulatory authorities and the regional transport office (RTO). The process includes submitting necessary documents, paying applicable fees, and undergoing vehicle inspections.

What is the significance and purpose of green number plates?

Green number plates symbolise India's commitment to promoting sustainable transportation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

What is the environmental impact of green number plates?

Green number plates encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, contributing to reduced air pollution and combating climate change.

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