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While driving around, you may have noticed some vehicles have a green plate instead of blue or white in Ontario. As more and more drivers are browsing for the best electric vehicle, it’s important to understand the process of getting a valid green licence plate. After all, you’ll need one of you go electric.
In 2021, Statistics Canada found that there were 303,073 hybrids, 152,685 battery EVs and 95,896 plug-in vehicles registered in the country.
Learn more about the green licence plate program, its benefits, and how to get one.
Ontario's green licence plate program was launched in 2009 to encourage drivers to consider low-emission vehicles. It offers drivers of electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles green licence plates. These plates provide free access to provincial High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and HOT lanes, even if the driver is travelling alone.
Commercial fleets, businesses, and individuals can all apply for green licence plates if their vehicles meet the criteria. Vehicles that can apply for a green licence plate include:
You can check the Ministry of Transportation website to confirm if your vehicle makes the list. They update it every three months – the last update was in January 2023. There is a wide range of car manufacturers included, such as Audi, Ford, Kia and BMW.
It’s important to consider that not all vehicles are eligible for a green plate. Here is a list of vehicles that are ineligible for a green licence plate:
If you are getting electric car insurance many factors will impact your rate. EV policies can be higher due to the higher replacement and repair costs. If you have a good driving record, you’ll see costs be lower compared to if you have speeding tickets or demerit points.
Drivers can also apply for rebates through the Zero-Emission Vehicles Program (iZEV), which can come with some savings.
Getting a green licence plate is as simple as getting a normal vehicle plate. Most dealerships will handle the process, but you can also go to ServiceOntario. Plates will be issued immediately. There is currently no option for owners of green vehicles to do the process online or get a customized licence plate.
If a dealership doesn’t offer registration, here’s what you’ll need:
If you are a business looking to get a green licence plate, you will need to provide:
Make others green with envy. Compare the lowest quotes and save on insurance for your EV.
If you see a vehicle with a green licence plate, it simply means it is a low-emissions vehicle. They still need to be registered and have valid car insurance.
To get your green plate, it costs $52 (new or replacement with a permit). Since the province removed the fee to renew licence plates, it doesn’t cost anything additional to have a green licence plate after the initial cost.
EV drivers in Ontario and Quebec are assigned green licence plates in Canada.
If you already have a green vehicle, you’ll enjoy our tips for charging an electric vehicle and a collection of tips Canadians must know for driving an EV in winter.
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