All About the E-License Plate in Germany You need to know

Nowadays, it's no longer surprising to see cars on the road that you can barely hear. The general benefits of sustainability are well known, but in the interest of a greener future, Germany is going all out to extend this list even further. In particular, we're focusing on the E-license plate - have you heard of it? We'll take a closer look at the benefits and evaluate whether it's really worth it. Additionally, we'll address the question of whether E-license plates are possible for hybrid cars.

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Who Can Apply for the E-License Plate?

The E-license plate is not a new introduction. In fact, these special license plates have been around since 2015, but they are becoming increasingly relevant. The number of electric vehicles in Germany is rapidly rising, with 1.4 million EVs now on the roads. This indicates that more and more people are inquiring whether they qualify for the E-license plate. Here are the criteria - you’ll need to drive:

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• Pure battery electric vehicles
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• Vehicles that can be charged externally, such as plug-in hybrids
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• Fuel cell vehicles
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However, there is a specific requirement for hybrid cars. A crucial criterion is that it must be a plug-in hybrid - it must be capable of being charged externally. Additionally, the car must emit no more than 50 grams of CO2 per kilometer driven. Another possibility for the car to qualify for this special license plate is if it can travel a minimum distance of 40 kilometers in pure electric mode.

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What Benefits Does This Special License Plate Offer?

Naturally, Germany has made an effort to make the license plate as attractive as possible. The benefits are diverse, allowing everyone to truly benefit:
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• You have to pay less, or no fees at all on certain public parking spaces. These parking spaces are marked, and you can find them in cities like Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Dortmund.
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• There are free charging stations for EV drivers with an E-license plate. Various German cities offer public charging stations completely free of charge.
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• Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Karlsruhe allow drivers with an E-license plate to use the bus lane. This can save some time on a Friday afternoon!
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How Can You Apply for Your E-License Plate?

Now that you're likely convinced about the E-license plate, only one question remains - How do I get my E-license plate? You can apply for the E-license plate directly at the time of registration. If you're not sure about spending the €60, you can also apply for it later. The following documents must be provided:
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• Vehicle registration certificate and title of your car
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• Confirmation of a passed vehicle inspection (TÜV)
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• A valid identification document (ID card or passport)
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• The electronic insurance confirmation number (eVB) of your vehicle
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• Possibly your previous license plates
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• Proof that your electric vehicle complies with the requirements of the Electric Mobility Act (EmoG), such as a data confirmation or a manufacturer's certificate
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Once issued, the E-license plate remains valid indefinitely, which means you only need to apply for it once for your electric vehicle.

An interesting incentive: For electric cars registered up to and including 2025, the vehicle tax is waived for ten years.

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What Other Questions Are There on the Topic?

Is the E-license plate mandatory? No, you can freely decide whether the benefits are relevant to you or not. Plus, you can always decide to opt-in at any time.

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What criticism exists regarding the E-license plate? The license plate is not yet established in all areas of Germany. What is valid in one city may not apply to another place. You need to explore the benefits yourself before traveling to a new region.

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Do most hybrid cars have access to the E-license plate? Since hybrid cars must meet various conditions, it can be challenging to qualify for an E-license plate, but it's not impossible.

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What does the E-license plate look like? The E-license plate is characterized by an “E” at the end of the number plate. Initially, the usual numbers are displayed, followed by an “E” at the end.

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Conclusion

Although the license plate comes with different conditions, it can already be beneficial for electric vehicle drivers in certain cities. Those with the right vehicle in the right place may enjoy free parking and even charging. Germany has made it its mission to make electric vehicles as attractive as possible, and the E-license plate is expected to become more established over time.

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FAQs

What are the requirements to obtain an E-license plate?

To apply for an E-license plate, your vehicle must be either a pure battery electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid (externally rechargeable), or a fuel cell vehicle. Plug-in hybrids must additionally emit less than 50 grams of CO2 per kilometer or have a pure electric range of at least 40 kilometers.

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What benefits does the E-license plate offer?

The E-license plate offers various benefits such as free or reduced parking on certain public parking spaces, access to free charging stations in many German cities, and the option to use the bus lane in some cities, which can be particularly advantageous during peak times.

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How do I apply for the E-license plate for my electric vehicle?

You can apply for the E-license plate either directly at the registration of your vehicle or afterwards. Necessary documents include the vehicle registration certificate and title, a vehicle inspection (TÜV) certification, a valid identification document, the electronic insurance confirmation number (eVB) of your vehicle, possibly your old license plates, and proof that your vehicle complies with the Electric Mobility Act requirements.

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Is the E-license plate valid and recognized throughout Germany?

While the E-license plate is valid nationwide, specific benefits can vary locally. Therefore, it is advisable to inform yourself about the special regulations and offers in your city or region in advance.

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Do all electric vehicles have to carry an E-license plate?

No, carrying an E-license plate is not mandatory. Vehicle owners can decide for themselves whether they want to take advantage of the associated benefits. The decision for an E-license plate can be made at any time, as long as the requirements are met.

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