RFID license plates required for new electric vehicles

2024-09-11 10:52:07

Recently, the Malaysian Ministry of Transport announced an important initiative that requires all newly registered pure electric vehicles (EVs) to be fitted with special license plates with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, known as RPK plates. This initiative marks a solid step forward in promoting the popularization of EVs and the building of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in Malaysia.

With the global emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, electric vehicles, as zero-emission or low-emission means of transportation, are gradually becoming the focus of governments to promote them. To encourage the popularity of electric vehicles, the Malaysian government has decided to differentiate between electric vehicles and traditional internal combustion engine vehicles by introducing a new license plate and to further enhance the efficiency and safety of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS).

The RPK license plate is designed in a European style with distinctive Malaysian features. The background of the license plate is white (reflective) and the text is black (with a tamper-proof hologram) and uses the same font as in Germany. The left side of the plate features a colorful symbol as well as the Malaysian flag and country code identifier, with green as the representative color of the electric vehicle, highlighting the eco-friendly concept.

The RPK license plate not only has a unique design, but also integrates RFID technology and QR code, runs GS1 UHF Gen2 protocol, and operates in the 860 MHz to 930 MHz UHF range. This technology enables the license plate not only to have the identification function of a traditional license plate, but also to be connected to the intelligent transportation system through wireless signals, realizing real-time transmission and processing of information.

At the same time, RFID technology also provides technical support for the future intelligent transportation system, which is expected to realize vehicle identification, automatic toll collection, traffic management and other functions.

Starting September 9, 2024, owners of newly registered pure electric vehicles can book their RPK license plates through the official website of the Road Transport Department (JPJ). The application process can only be done online through the OEM automotive company retailing the electric vehicle or a designated business partner to ensure regularity and ease of application.

Pricing for the RPK license plate is RM98 and the cost includes a front (RFID-equipped) and rear aluminum plate as well as a security tag to be affixed to the windshield.

While the rollout of the RPK license plate is currently in the pilot stage, the Malaysian government has made it clear that its ultimate goal is to make the EV-specific license plate mandatory for all new EVs registered in the country. This initiative is expected to drive the further development of the electric vehicle market and facilitate the green transformation of Malaysia's transportation sector.
At the same time, the introduction of the RPK license plate is also an important step in the construction of Malaysia's intelligent transportation system. Through the application of RFID technology, Malaysia is expected to realize the real-time collection and processing of vehicle information, improve the efficiency of traffic management, and reduce traffic congestion and the probability of accidents.