The transport ministry has introduced the brand new special licence plate (RPK, or rekaan plat khas) specifically for electric vehicles, with transport minister Anthony Loke officially introducing the JPJePlate in Cyberjaya earlier this morning.
The brand new JPJePlate just isn’t an EV number plate series (as in ‘EV 1’ to ‘EV 9999’) but fairly a selected licence plate design, different to the usual easy white lettering (alphabets and numbers) mounted on a black background in use at present.
Coincidentally, the ministry also announced the introduction of the “EV” series number plates, specifically for fully-electric vehicles. Bidding opened today and ends on September 13.
Independent of that, number plates under the present vehicle registration system (for instance, V prefix for WP, B for Selangor etc) might be used with the JPJePlate, nevertheless it must be for an EV. Most significantly, the presentation format for the plate is different, as highlighted during a special briefing on it by the ministry some time back.
Euro-style
How so? Well, as might be seen in the photographs, the brand new RPK includes a latest font. That’s since it doesn’t have lettering affixed to it, as a substitute being embossed on the plate, which is constructed of aluminium. The background and lettering for the plate is in reverse to the prevailing plate system, with a white background (which is reflective) and lettering (which has an anti-counterfeit hologram) in black.
On the left hand side of the plate, you’ll discover a color notation, together with the Malaysian flag and country code identifier, demarcated by a holographic security strip. Green is the color chosen to indicate EVs, and while it was not mentioned, other colors will likely come into play well into the long run.
When you’re considering the design element looks very European, well, that’s since it is. The RPK, measuring 11 cm tall and 52 cm wide, is sourced from Tonnjes, a German company specialising in vehicle identification.
It’s an IDePlate with a QR code and an integrated RAIN (RAdio frequency IdentificatioN) passive RFID chip running a GS1 UHF Gen2 protocol, operating within the 860 MHz to 930 MHz UHF range. The RFID element isn’t in play yet, but future-proofs the plate for intelligent transportation system (ITS) integration down the road as well for possible payment options.
Why have a brand new plate?
In keeping with the ministry, the concept behind introducing the brand new plate design in what is actually a pilot project for it’s to simply differentiate latest emissions-free vehicles from internal combustion engined ones.
In the primary phase, its use is solely just for battery-electric (all-electric) vehicles, as hybrids, PHEVs or ICE vehicles is not going to have access to it. The ministry said that having the plate on EVs will aid fire/emergency services in identifying the character of the vehicle, ensuring an appropriate response in accidents.
Who will/can use this special EV plate?
As stated earlier, the JPJePlate can only be used for fully-electric vehicles, and it’s optional for EV owners for now. The ideo is in fact to eventually have the EV-specific plate be made mandatory for all latest EVs registered within the country, but much will rely on the pilot project and response to the plate.
As of today, September 9, 2024, the JPePlate is obtainable for booking on the road transport department’s (JPJ) jpjeplate.jpj.gov.my website.
As of now, registrations for brand new EV plates are only through the assorted OEM automobile firms retailing Evs or business partners appointed for it, with applications being made online via a dedicated RPK portal or app.
Moreover, owners of existing EVs which have already been registered may have the choice of switching to the JPJePlate for his or her vehicle ranging from November, with registration of interest already open for it.
First step towards standardised plates for all latest cars in the long run?
That’s the overall idea, but this shall be well down the road. On the briefing, the ministry revealed that Malaysia is amongst 5% of the countries left using traditional plates globally, and it’s seeking to progressively move away from that.
The initiative to introduce the brand new plate is aimed toward exploring the eventual standardisation of the licence plate for all latest vehicles registered in Malaysia, effectively eliminating fancy/non-regulation plates and reducing vehicle cloning opportunities, amongst other things.
If it gets to the purpose that adoption becomes uniform across all powertrain types, all latest vehicle registrations will at some point utilise the JPJeplate, or so goes the plan. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that the RPK is mandatory for each vehicle that has been registered and continues to be running on the road. In keeping with the ministry, legacy – as in existing – vehicles will give you the option to proceed using the present plate format, meaning owners of those won’t should fork out extra.
How much for it, and what do you get?
As you’d expect, there may be cost involved. The JPJePlate is priced at RM98, and for that outlay, you get a front (RFID-equipped) and rear aluminium plate in addition to a 3rd licence plate in the shape of a security sticker attached to the windshield.
Also containing a RAIN RFID chip and a QR code, the IDeStix has the identical functionality because the front plate, offering an additional layer of identification security – it’s non-removable, and shall be destroyed should there be an try to remove it.
Handal Ceria is the local vendor appointed to issue the plate, so all the technique of stamping and delivery of the JPJePlate goes through it within the pilot phase.As of now, registrations for brand new EV plates are only through the assorted OEM automobile firms retailing Evs or business partners appointed for it, with applications being made online via a dedicated RPK portal or app.
Once the applying is processed, the corporate states that plate might be delivered in the next ways:
- Standard delivery – one to 2 days for Peninsular Malaysia, three to 4 days for East Malaysia (no extra charge, included in cost of plate).
- Express on demand delivery – orders made before 10am shall be sent out on the identical day (additional cost, depending on distance).
- Self-collection – from the Handal Ceria office in Cyberjaya.
On the briefing, it was stated that the very best time to submit applications for registration numbers which are already readily available needs to be five days before delivery of the vehicle to the client. For running numbers, applications might be made once the eDaftar is finished, using the provisional registration.
Installation process
Affixing the JPJePlate, including the windshield sticker, is carried out by the vehicle retailer or business partner (which suggests self-collection, if chosen, must be carried out by the latter’s designated staff).
Two varieties of fitment have been approved for the installation of the RPK. The proposed one is to have the plates attached to the vehicle with security screws to the bumper or the plate holder base – this, Handal Ceria said, is the really useful selection in ensuring the very best level of security against theft, because it might make the plate difficult to remove.
The opposite is in fact the normal route, of using a 52 x 11 cm plate holder that the RPK might be inserted into. This leeway for attachment is being given because feedback has indicated that some vehicle owners fear some damage from the install, but really, there’s nothing an excellent screw can’t solve. It’s not hard to assume that given their novelty, no less than within the immediate future, quite plenty of RPKs could well be liberated in cars parked in unattended locations.
Once fixed on the vehicle, images should be taken of the fitment (front, rear and windscreen) and uploaded to the registration section of the RPK online portal/app. That is to be sure that the fitment is completed and carried out accurately. The corporate said the approval process subsequent to the image submission is not going to take long.
Regarding a alternative RPK should the vehicle be damaged in an accident and require a brand new unit, the applying process for the alternative is similar as per latest registrations.
So, there you’ve it, the lowdown on the brand new JPJePlate for EVs. What do you think that of the RPK? Do you just like the direction being taken, or do you continue to prefer the present vehicle registration plate design?
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This Article First Appeared At paultan.org
