Launch of JPJePlate for Electric Vehicles – European Style Embossed Design with Malaysian Flag, Embedded RFID, RM98

The Ministry of Transport has introduced new special license plate (RPK, or find out more) dedicated to electric vehicleswith Transport Minister Anthony Loke officially launching the JPJePlate in Cyberjaya this morning.

The new JPJePlate is not a series of EV license plates (such as ‘EV 1’ to ‘EV 9999’) but a specific license plate design, different from the current standard simple white font (letters and numbers) mounted on a black background.

Coincidentally, the Ministry also announced the introduction of License plate “EV”specifically for all-electric vehicles. The auction opens today and ends September 13.

In addition, license plates under the current vehicle registration system (e.g., prefix V for WP, B for Selangor, etc.) can be used with JPJePlate, as can be seen in the photo examples, but the license plate itself is only for EVs. Most importantly, the presentation format for the license plate is different, as stated in a special press conference on this issue by the ministry some time ago.

European style but adapted to Malaysia

How so? Well, as you can see in the image, the new RPK has a new font. That’s because it doesn’t have the writing embedded in it, instead it’s embossed on the plate, which is made of aluminum. The background and writing on the plate are the opposite of the existing plate system, with a white background (with reflective properties) and the writing (with anti-counterfeiting hologram) in black. By the way, the font used is the same as the one in Germany.

On the left side of the plate, you will see a coloured symbol, along with the Malaysian flag and country code, separated by a holographic security strip. Green is the colour chosen to denote EVs and although it is not mentioned, other colours may be used in the future.

If you think this design element looks very European, you’re right. The RPK, which stands 11cm tall and 52cm wide, comes from Tonnjes, a German company that specializes in vehicle identification.

This is an IDePlate with a QR code and an integrated RAIN (Radio Frequency Identification) passive RFID chip running the GS1 UHF Gen2 protocol, operating in the UHF 860 MHz to 930 MHz range. The RFID component is not yet in place, but the card will be future-proof for future intelligent transportation systems (ITS) integration as well as possible payment options.

Why change the license plate?

According to the ministry, the idea behind introducing the new number plate design is essentially a pilot project aimed at making it easier to distinguish new zero-emission vehicles from those using internal combustion engines.

In the initial phase, the use will be limited to battery-powered (pure electric) vehicles only, as hybrids, PHEVs or ICE vehicles will not be used. The ministry said that the number plates on electric vehicles will help fire/emergency services identify the nature of the vehicle, ensuring an appropriate response in the event of an accident.

Who will/can use this special EV license plate?

As mentioned earlier, the JPJePlate can only be used on fully electric vehicles and is currently optional for electric vehicle owners. The idea is of course to eventually make electric vehicle-specific plates mandatory for all new electric vehicles registered in the country, but much will depend on the pilot project and the response to the plates.

As of today, September 9, 2024, JPePlate is available for pre-order on the Land Transport Authority (JPJ) jpjeplate.jpj.gov.my website

However, applications for new EV license plates can only be made by EV retail OEM automotive companies or designated business partners, by submitting online through JPJ’s dedicated website.

Additionally, existing registered electric vehicle owners will have the option to switch to JPJePlate for their vehicles starting in November, when registration of interest opens.

The first step towards standard license plates for all new cars in the future?

That’s the general idea, but it’s a long way off. At the press conference, the ministry revealed that Malaysia is among the 5% of countries that still use traditional discs globally and is looking to phase it out gradually.

This new number plate introduction initiative aims to explore standardizing the number plates for all newly registered vehicles in Malaysia, thereby effectively eliminating fancy/unregulated number plates and reducing the possibility of vehicle duplication, among other purposes.

If it ever becomes uniform across all powertrains, all new vehicle registrations will one day use the JPJeplate, or so the plan is. However, that doesn’t mean that RPKs will be mandatory for every vehicle that’s already registered and still on the road. According to the ministry, older vehicles – that is, existing vehicles – will be able to continue using the current plate format, meaning owners of those vehicles won’t have to pay extra.

How much does it cost and what do you get?

As you would expect, there are costs involved. JPJePlate costs RM98and for the money you get front (RFID equipped) and rear aluminum license plates as well as a third license plate in the form of a security sticker that goes on the windshield.

Additionally, the IDeStix contains a RAIN RFID chip and QR code, which function as the front card, providing an additional layer of identification security – the card is non-removable and will be destroyed if anyone attempts to remove it.

Handal Ceria is local designated supplier to issue license platesTherefore, the entire process of stamping and delivering JPJePlate is in the testing phase.

Once the application is processed, the company states that the license plate can be delivered in the following ways:

• Standard delivery – one to two days for Peninsular Malaysia, three to four days for East Malaysia (no extra charge, included in the plate price).
• Express delivery on request – orders placed before 10am will be dispatched the same day (additional charges apply, depending on distance).
• Self collection – from Handal Ceria office in Cyberjaya.

At the press conference, it was stated that the best time to apply for an existing registration number is five days before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. For running numbers, the application can be made after completing the eDaftar, using the temporary registration.

Installation process

The application of JPJePlate, including windshield stickers, is carried out by the vehicle retailer or business partner (i.e. self-collection, if selected, must be carried out by designated employees of the business partner).

There are two approved types of accessories for installing RPKs. The recommended option is to attach the plates to the vehicle using a safety screw to the bumper or a license plate holder – Handal Ceria says this is the recommended option to ensure the highest level of security against theft, as it makes the plate difficult to remove.

The other way is of course the traditional way, using a 52 x 11 cm license plate holder into which the RPK can be mounted. This distance for mounting is given because feedback shows that some car owners are concerned about some damage during installation, but really, nothing that a good screw can’t fix. It’s not hard to imagine that given their novelty, at least in the near future, quite a few RPKs could be unleashed in cars parked in unattended places.

Once installed on the vehicle, photos of the installation (front, rear and windshield) must be taken and uploaded to the registration section of the dedicated website. This is to ensure that the installation is done and carried out correctly. The company says that the approval process after submitting the photos should not take long.

If you are wondering whether windshield stickers will affect the installation of window film

Regarding replacement RPK in case of vehicle damage due to accident and need for a new one, the procedure for applying for replacement is the same as for new registration.

So there you have it, the details of the new JPJePlate for electric vehicles. What do you think of the RPK? Do you like the current direction, or do you still prefer the current license plate design?

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Car.