From 1st July 2025, drivers of electric vehicles in Ireland have the option to display a new green ‘flash’ on their registration plates.
The new green vertical stripe on the right side of the plate is not mandatory but will be optional for new EVs or those already registered on Irish roads.
The aim is to make zero-emission vehicles more visible on Irish roads and support the shift to cleaner, greener transport across the country.
What is the Green ‘Flash’ Plate?
The green ‘flash’ is a simple visual marker added to the existing Irish registration plate. It’s designed to distinguish full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and, in time, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, from petrol and diesel cars. This initiative aligns Ireland with countries like the UK, Germany and Norway, who already use visual EV identifiers.
Who Can Get the Green EV Plate?
All zero-emission vehicles are eligible, including:
- Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
- Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (when available)
- Zero-emission cars, vans, motorbikes, trucks and buses
How to get the green plate
Both new buyers and existing EV owners can opt in:
- New EV drivers: Ask your dealership to add the green flash during vehicle registration.
- Existing EV drivers: Visit a registration plate supplier to retrofit your green flash plates.
Why Is Ireland Introducing Green EV Plates?
According to Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, the aim is to increase visibility and normalise zero-emissions driving:
“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.”
SIMI Director General Brian Cooke added:
“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.”
The launch coincides with the 252-registration sales period, one of the busiest times in the Irish motoring calendar.
As of May, there were 176,680 electric vehicles on Irish roads, with a target of 30% of Ireland’s private car fleet to be electric by 2030.
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