CYBERJAYA (Sept 9): New zero-emission electric vehicles (ZEVs) will now be required to have standardised number plates called “JPJePlate”, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

The new EV number plates are part of the government's effort to expand digitisation, improve road safety, and create a new evolution in the smart vehicle identification system, the minister said.

“Today's JPJePlate launch does not include non-ZEV vehicles. The focus now is on ensuring the smooth implementation of JPJePlate for new ZEVs,” Loke said at the launch of JPJePlate on Monday.

“JPJePlate is not mandatory for ZEVs already on the road, but owners who are still interested can make orders starting in November,” he explained.

JPJePlate offers several enhanced road safety features, such as retro-reflective features that improve night-time visibility, an anti-cloning hologram to minimise the risk of theft and fraud, as well as integration with the intelligent transport system through RFID technology. It is available at a price of RM98 per set, including the front plate, rear plate, RFID windshield sticker and standard delivery.

The new product will be manufactured and distributed by Handal Ceria Sdn Bhd, which Loke said has been selected through an open tender process. Handal Ceria is founded by Lim Han Weng, who is also the largest shareholder of Yinson Holdings Bhd (KL:YINSON), with 1.5% direct and 23% indirect stake in the oil and gas group.

Meanwhile, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has opened e-bidding for special registration numbers (NPIs) with the 'EV' index, starting from Sept 9 until Sept 13 at 10pm. The bidding results will be announced within 24 hours after the bidding process closes.

“The 'EV' NPIs are exclusive to ZEVs and cannot be registered on non-ZEV vehicles. ZEV owners who are not interested can still use any regular state series numbers for their vehicles,” Loke stressed.

He added that revenue from the NPIs will be channelled to public initiatives, such as free helmet exchange programmes and B2 licence training for those in the bottom 40% household income group.