Electric vehicle drivers across Cork and Ireland will soon be able to display their green credentials with new distinctive registration plates featuring a green vertical stripe, rolling out from July 2025.
The voluntary green ‘flash’ plates will be available for all new and existing electric vehicles that produce zero emissions, including cars, vans, motorbikes, trucks and buses. The initiative aims to increase visibility of clean transport and support Ireland’s transition away from fossil fuel vehicles.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said:
“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 new plates maintain the same design as current Irish registration plates but include an added green vertical stripe to distinguish zero-emission vehicles. Ireland joins the UK, Germany and Norway in introducing distinct plates for electric vehicles.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe added:
“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.”
The rollout coincides with the motor industry’s 252 sales period in July, traditionally the second highest month for new car sales. SIMI Director General Brian Cooke commented: “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, we anticipate a swift appearance of electric vehicles carrying the green ‘flash’ plates on our roads.”
Currently, 176,680 electric vehicles are registered on Irish roads as of May 2025. The government aims to shift 30% of the private vehicle fleet to electric by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan, with over £100 million allocated this year to support EV adoption and infrastructure.
New EV buyers can request the green ‘flash’ plates through their dealership, while existing electric vehicle owners can retrofit their current plates through registration plate suppliers. The upgrade is entirely optional and applies to all fully battery electric vehicles and future hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Drivers considering the switch can benefit from government incentives including purchase grants up to €3,500, home charger grants up to €300, VRT relief up to €5,000, and reduced annual motor tax rates.