Green ‘Flash’ Registration Plates for Electric Vehicles Rolling Out Next Month
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From: Department of Transport
- Published on: 26 June 2025
- Last updated on: 26 June 2025
Drivers of new and existing EVs can now opt for the new green registration plate
A new green ‘flash’ on registration plates will soon make it easier to spot vehicles that emit no CO2 emissions on Irish roads. From July, the green ‘flash’ plates will be available for all eligible new and existing electric vehicles. The new plate will look the same as current Irish registration plates but with an added green vertical stripe.
Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, confirmed today that the rollout of the new plates will begin in the coming weeks, following final preparations. The green ‘flash’ is designed to give visibility to vehicles that emit no CO2 emissions, supporting the shift to cleaner, greener transport across the country.
“This initiative helps make electric vehicles more visible, giving people and businesses a way to show their commitment to a cleaner transport future. 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 green flash is another part of our transition to electric. This year, over €100 million will be allocated to support EV adoption and infrastructure, with continued government supports and incentives to make EVs more accessible.”
Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien
The green ‘flash’ plate is available for all vehicles that produce zero emissions at the tailpipe. This includes fully battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and, in future, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The new plate can be fitted to cars, vans, motorbikes, trucks and buses that emit no CO2 emissions.
If you're buying a new electric vehicle, your dealership can provide you with the green plate and for existing EV owners, you can opt to retrofit your existing plates with the green ‘flash’ through registration plate suppliers.
Ireland now joins countries like the UK, Germany and Norway in introducing distinct plates for electric vehicles. These identifiers are becoming a common way to highlight the presence of zero-emission vehicles on the roads.
The new registration plates will help create awareness around the changing societal norm as more people move away from polluting vehicles towards zero emission alternatives. Green ‘flash’ registration plates will allow consumers to demonstrate their choice of a green product - research shows that this can have a positive influence on willingness of others to invest in more sustainable products.
The Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners have worked closely with Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI)/Department of Transport on the introduction of the new plates.
“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.”
Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe
In support of the industry, the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has collaborated with ZEVI/Department of Transport to support the implementation of the new registration plate.
“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.”
SIMI Director General, Brian Cooke
The green ‘flash’ registration plates are optional and apply to all fully electric vehicles, including cars, vans, motorbikes and trucks.
Notes
How to get the green ‘flash’
- New EV buyers: Ask your dealership to include the green ‘flash’ when ordering or registering your vehicle.
- Existing EV drivers: Retrofitting is optional and can be done through registration plate suppliers. Check with your garage for details.
- The green ‘flash’ plate is not mandatory but offers a visible, voluntary way to signal your contribution to cleaner air and a greener Ireland.
Background
- The new green ‘flash’ registration plates will be introduced from 1st July 2025.
- The Climate Action Plan provides a roadmap to cut Ireland’s transport missions by 50% by 2030.
- Electrification of transport fleets is expected to provide the largest share of emissions abatement, in the short to medium term.
- There are currently 176,680 electric vehicles on Irish roads (National Vehicles and Driver File, end of May 2025).
- Ireland has an ambitious target under the Climate Action Plan to shift 30% of the private vehicle fleet to electric by 2030.
Government Incentives
There are already a number of direct incentives in place to support the transition to electric vehicles including:
- A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) of up to €3,500.
- A Home Charger purchase grant scheme - up to €300.
- VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of certain BEVs.
- Benefit-in-Kind tax relief for battery electric vehicles and home chargers.
- eSPSV grant scheme – a generous grant for taxi drivers to make the switch to Wheelchair Accessible EV’s of up to €25,000.
- ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant scheme for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and
- Low rate of annual motor tax.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland
- Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) is a dedicated office within the Department of Transport charged with supporting consumers, the public sector and businesses to continue to make the switch to zero emission vehicles.
The Office is leading on the delivery of Ireland’s ambitious targets to have an expected 30% of our private car fleet switched.