A major number plate change is coming for hundreds of thousands of drivers in Australia’s most populous state, and it’s set to play a critical role in how emergency services respond to car crashes.
The 367,000 electric vehicle (EV) owners in New South Wales have this week been told that a special, “next generation” type of number plate will soon become available, which specifically identifies their cars as electric or hybrid.
This is crucial in the event of a crash because it allows first responders to immediately recognise the vehicle’s power source and apply the right safety procedures, reducing the risk of electric shock, battery fires or hazardous chemical exposure.
EV owners are currently required to display a blue and white sticker on their plates for this reason, but now, the new plates will have “Australia-first integrated fuel identifiers” pressed into their surface, as opposed to a simple adhesive.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson told Yahoo News it is “taking action to support the adoption and uptake of electric vehicles across NSW and the introduction of safety label plates is designed to improve safety for emergency services and provide a better customer experience.”
NSW is the first state in Australia to introduce the safety label on number plates. Source: TfNSW
Why it’s important that electric vehicles are appropriately labelled
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Executive Director of Road Safety Regulation Duncan Lucas said the updated plates will improve safety for both motorists and first responders attending crashes. “Electric vehicles are the fastest growing market in the Australian automotive industry, with 367,000 electric and hybrid vehicles registered in NSW,” Lucas said in a statement.
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“NSW is the first state in Australia to introduce a safety label plate, which will help emergency services quickly identify an alternative fuel vehicle in a crash or fire.”
He said, unlike adhesive labels, the safety label is pressed into the plate like the numbers and letters, “making it more durable and allowing the fuel type to be identified by its unique shape.”
Having a ‘built-in’ identifier also makes it easier for owners and drivers to stay compliant, with less maintenance and better long-term durability. “[It] ensures correct placement of the safety label on the number plate for easier identification during an emergency,” Lucas added.
“Pressing a fuel identifier into a vehicle’s number plate is only a small change, but it will make a big difference to motorists and emergency crews.”
What’s the fire risk?
Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Daniel O’Dea explained that electric vehicles present distinct risks in accidents, making it vital for firefighters and emergency crews to be able to clearly and quickly determine what powers the vehicle.
He said the addition of a fuel-type identifier on number plates gives responders immediate confirmation they are dealing with an EV, allowing them to adapt their approach to keep both themselves and occupants safe.
EVs can present hazards such as high-voltage systems, unexpected movement, and, in some rare cases, battery fires. When rescues are required, crews must use specialised methods to avoid live electrical components and manage fire risk, which is why a clear fuel identifier is such an important tool.
Yahoo News Australia has sought comment from TfNSW with regard to the number plate rollout and how EV owners will obtain their new plates. It’s understood there is no extra cost to the vehicle owner.
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