CYBERJAYA: All new zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) including electric vehicle owners will have to use the the Road Transport Department ePlate (JPJePlate) as it moves towards digitalisation.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the JPJePlate is not mandatory for ZEV vehicles already on the road, but interested owners can place their orders as early as November.
He said the JPJePlate could be obtained at RM98 per set, which includes a front plate, a rear plate, an RFID windshield sticker, and standard delivery.
"This initiative will be implemented for new ZEV vehicles, including new EVs. Starting today, vehicle manufacturers and distributors can order JPJePlate on behalf of customers who have purchased new ZEV vehicles through the website jpjeplate.jpj.gov.my.
"Today's launch of JPJePlate does not involve non-ZEV vehicles. The current focus is to ensure the smooth implementation of JPJePlate for new ZEV.
"The ministry welcomes feedback from the public regarding this initiative," he said in his speech when launching the JPJePlate here, today.
lOKE added that current EV owners who are interested to purchase the JPJePlate would be able to do so as early as November.
The JPJePlate has three distinct features including, improved visiblity, security and smart technology and enforcement.
"With retro-reflective features, JPJePlate enhances visibility at night, helping to reduce accidents and ensuring better driving safety while facilitating enforcement actions.
"This number plate is equipped with an anti-cloning hologram to minimise theft and fraud risks. JPJePlate also allows electric vehicles to be easily identified so that the correct safety protocols can be applied in emergencies.
"With the integration of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) through RFID technology, JPJePlate contributes to a more connected and smarter transportation network.
"The implementation of JPJePlate is the government's effort to intensify digitalisation, improve road safety, and create a new evolution in the smart Vehicle Identification System (VIS)," he added.
For this initiative, Loke said, a Request for Proposal (RFP) process was carried out in OctOBER 2023 and Handal Ceria Sdn Bhd was chosen as the vendor company.
He said the ministry also held engagement sessions with industry players, including the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) and EV Vehicle Manufacturers and Distributors, on June 14.
Loke said Handal Ceria has collaborated with ChargeEV to sponsor charging credits for new EVs fitted with JPJePlate.
"Sponsorship details will be announced by the relevant parties in due course," he said.
Moving forward, Loke said the ministry was also looking at integrating the JPJePlate with other systems including Touch N Go and parking operators.
On the country's growing EV market, he said the number of registered EVs surged to 12,850 vehicles compared to just 5,131 vehicles during the same period last year, a significant increase of 150 per cent.
"However, our country still has considerable room for EV growth. The government and the private sector must work more closely together to create a transition wave that is not only more environmentally friendly but will also drive the country's green economy," he said.