Transport for New South Wales has announced that owners of alternative fuelled vehicles will soon receive new number plates.
In an Australian-first, the next generation of number plates in the state are set to have integrated fuel identifiers pressed into their surface.
Transport for NSW executive director of road safety regulation Duncan Lucas says up until now fully electric, hybrid or hydrogen vehicles were identified by labels which were attached to number plates with adhesive, with this new innovation improving safety and providing a better customer experience.
“Electric vehicles are the fastest growing market in the Australian automotive industry, with 367,000 electric and hybrid vehicles registered in NSW,” Lucas says.
“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.
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“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, and ensures correct placement of the safety label on the number plate for easier identification during an emergency.
“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.”
Fire and Rescue NSW inspector Daniel O’Dea says EVs pose different hazards when involved in a crash, and it’s important that firefighters and first responders can quickly and reliably identify a vehicles fuel source.
“Having a safety label number plate ensures our crews know they are dealing with an EV and can implement the right strategy to not only keep themselves safe, but also ensure the safety of the vehicle occupants,” O’Dea says.
“EVs pose unique risks, including high voltage electricity, unexpected vehicle movement or in some cases fires from the vehicle’s battery pack.
“When the complication of a rescue is also involved, different techniques are required to avoid high voltage cables and to implement a fire protection strategy – and having a visible fuel identifier is a critical focal point for our crews.”
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