Sri Lanka to issue green number plates for electric vehicles

All electric vehicles in Sri Lanka will receive number plates with green backgrounds, creating a clear visual distinction from other vehicles, Motor Traffic Commissioner General Thushara Idunil Fernando said.

The new plates will cover electric motorcycles, three-wheelers and cars. Fernando said the different color would allow police to identify electric vehicles more easily. The decision followed discussions between the transport minister and a group of experts.

Electric vehicles registered from March, when a new number-plate printing contract takes effect, will receive the green plates. Fernando said electric vehicles included in the backlog would also most likely receive the new design once the printing contract for accumulated orders is awarded.

Other vehicles will continue to use yellow-background plates at the rear and white-background plates at the front. Authorities hope to issue all number plates within the next six months by operating night shifts and again obtaining the services of Sri Lanka's armed forces.

Fernando said plates for vehicles registered between June 10 and August 31 this year had already been printed. About 450,000 vehicles, including motorcycles, three-wheelers and cars, were registered between January 1 and August 31.

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All electric vehicles will be issued green number plates.