During today’s launch of GWM’s new 4S centre in Seremban, Transport Minister Anthony Loke provided a glimpse of his ministry’s proposal to support the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) in Malaysia. Besides making road tax for EVs cheaper than internal combustion engine vehicles, Loke also mentions the need of issuing special number plates for EVs.
He said the issuance of such plates including e-Plates (with RFID built-in) will start with EVs and it isn’t just for looks. Loke explained that the clear identification of EVs is important to enable the Fire and Rescue Services Department to identify the vehicle in the event of an accident. He said this is crucial as the fire rescue department can’t simply spray water for EV-related fires. Typically, fires involving EVs require different procedures and special tools.
In China, “New Energy Vehicles” which include fully electric, plug-in hybrids and hybrids are given green plates as shown above. Other vehicles are typically issued with blue number plates.
Meanwhile, in the UK, vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions such as an EV or hydrogen vehicle carry a “green” number plate which has an extra green stripe on the left. Unlike China, these plates are not applicable to hybrids or plug-in hybrids (PHEV) which still have an internal combustion engine and an exhaust pipe.
Once the new EV proposal is enforced in Malaysia, Loke said all EVs including motorcycles must use the EV registration plate. He added that the government is also planning on a special number plate series for EVs which carries the “EV” prefix, starting with EV 1 regardless of the state. This will then continue with EVA, EVB and etc.
When Hyundai started its local assembly of the Ioniq 5 in Singapore, the first batch of vehicles was offered with a special “EVS” number plate which supposedly stands for “EV made in Singapore”. The initial number plate series range from EVS 1L to EVS 100J.
Related reading
- Anthony Loke: Road tax for EVs will be cheaper than petrol vehicles under new proposed formula
- GWM Malaysia launches 4S service centres in Seremban and Penang
- Higher electricity tariffs for high-consumption households in Malaysia: Will EV charging be more expensive?
- Minister of Transport Anthony Loke proposes special number plates for EVs in Malaysia
