Launched last September, there’s no denying that the JPJePlate, which is specifically meant for use on electric vehicles (EV), provides the type with a unique identity through its distinct physical appearance.
Now, whether you’re indifferent to it being there or are chuffed to bits that it’s on doesn’t really matter if you’re a new EV owner, because its use is mandatory on all new EV registrations, but apparently some motorists who don’t have an EV think the plate is the bee’s knees, so much so they’ve taken to replicating that look on plates for their internal combustion engine vehicles.
Case in point, the vehicle you see in the photo here. Posted yesterday on the MyEVOC Facebook page, it shows a Mercedes-Benz vehicle bearing a JPJePlate, or in this case, a licence plate replicated to look exactly like a JPJePlate.
The giveaway that it isn’t kosher is that it’s on an A 250 sedan, which when everyone last looked isn’t an EV. In any case, while it may look like it, it’s not a real IDePlate as issued through official channels or authorised installers, given the missing ‘Rear’ identifier and QR code on the lower right side of the plate, which is where the digital signature is supposed to be on the legit one.
Official JPJePlate for EVs, rear plate.
We reached out to Handal Ceria to ask if they were aware that such activity was happening, and the reply was that the plate isn’t legit and that the company has already lodged a complaint with the road transport department (JPJ) to take action over the matter.
The thing is, it’s not the first time a plate styled as such has been sighted on an ICE vehicle, and given the manner enforcement on fancy/non-regulation traditional licence plates has worked out so far, it surely won’t be the last unscrupulous attempt to come about.
Right now, the discrepancy is easily spotted when referenced to the vehicle it is attached on, but things could get murky if the plate is eventually standardised for all new vehicles in Malaysia, which is what the government is looking to work towards, specifically in terms of cloning and fake plates. But, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Owners of existing electric vehicles (EVs) who are looking to change their vehicle licence plate to the new JPJePlate, which was launched on September 9, will be able to do so starting from this weekend.
Handal Ceria, the local vendor appointed to issue the plate, has announced that sales of the dedicated plate for fully electric vehicles will be open to all EV car owners from November 9. It added that it has already begun e-mailing those who have registered their interest via the JPJePlate website.
The JPJePlate is priced at RM98, and for that outlay you get a front (RFID-equipped) and rear aluminium plate as well as a third licence plate. in the form of a security sticker attached to the windshield.
The IDeStix windshield sticker has the same functionality as the front plate, containing a RAIN RFID chip and a QR code, offering a further layer of identification security – it is non-removable, and will be destroyed should there be an attempt to remove it.
Owners of existing EVs will be able to apply for the plate directly without needing to go back to the company they bought the vehicle from, but the plates will still have to be fixed at an authorised fitment centre. With nearly 500 authorised installers located across the country, buyers should have no issue finding one near them. The complete list of authorised JPJePlate installers can be found here.
This just in – during a Handal Ceria production facility tour in Cyberjaya today, it was revealed that there will be a new small-font version of the JPJePlate (currently EV-only but will be extended to all cars in the future) that holds up to 13 characters (letters + numbers).
The current JPJePlate (normal-sized font) will be used for registrations up to eight characters only. That means number plates of 9-13 characters long will use the new small-font version (think CHANCELLOR, XXVIASEAN, PUTRAJAYA and MALAYSIA special series).
According to our sources, JPJ has agreed that future special number plates will not exceed 13 characters in total, and there are currently no plans to produce JDM-style square number plates.
So we suppose MADANI 11 (8 characters) will use the normal-sized font while MADANI 111 (9 characters) will use the small-font version?
The transport ministry’s new JPJePlate is significantly different from the number plate that we are all familiar with. In addition to a more eye-catching look, the JPJePlate features a number of key technologies that future-proofs the plate for intelligent transportation system (ITS) integration possible payment options.
The JPJePlate looks distinctively European because it based on the IDePlate from Tonnjes, a German company that specialises in electronic vehicle identification. One of identification methods of the plate is an integrated RAIN (RAdio frequency IdentificatioN) passive RFID (radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip.
RFID technology is something we’re all exposed to daily, be it having to scan a card to get into our condominiums or housing area. For those plying tolled roads, the technology is available as an option for toll payments at almost all major highways via Touch ‘n Go.
In this post, we’re comparing the RFID technologies used by TnG and the JPJePlate. Before getting into the details, let’s focus on the commonalities. First up, both operate on ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves and are passive type systems, meaning there’s no need for a powered antenna to transmit radio signals to a reader.
Instead, the RFID tag/chip will transmit the necessary info when accessed by the RFID reader, providing the information exchange in encoded fashion. Where the TnG RFID tag operates at a frequency between 919 and 923 MHz, the JPJePlate is operating in the 860 to 930 MHz range.
How the RFID is implemented is also different for both systems. For the TnG system, there is a RFID tag embedded into a sticker that the user must attach to the exterior of the vehicle, be it on the headlamps, or in some cases, on windscreens – some even found success sticking it on the number plate frame.
Meanwhile, the JPJePlate has a RFID chip integrated into the embossed aluminium licence plate, with the plate serving as a “big antenna” for a stronger signal. This should reduce instances where the RFID tag can’t be detected due to improper placement, an issue that sometimes still happens today – spotted any long queues on the RFID lane at toll booths recently?
In addition to a chip on the plate, the JPJePlate also has a redundancy in the form of another RFID tag stuck onto the windscreen for when the plate can’t be read. A third method that isn’t RFID-related but helps provide a more consistent and accurate form of identification is the embossed and tamper-proof alphanumeric on the plate itself. We were informed by Tonnjes that the RFID and holograms on the embossed number plate are made to the same security standards as what’s used in international passports.
The design is also standardised and with an intentional font design so you can say goodbye to fancy number plates that can confuse automated number plate recognition (ANPR) systems. On that mention, the new number plate design and its RFID capability will aid with the future implementation of multi-lane free flow (MLFF) toll collection, which does away with traditional toll booths. According to Tonnjes, the RFID element can be used as an identifier at speeds of up to 230 km/h.
On the matter of money, the TnG RFID is linked to the company’s eWallet, so toll payments are deducted from your balance. Should you sell you vehicle, you can terminate the RFID tag via the app and the new owner can simply replace it with their own at a cost of RM35.
For the JPJePlate, it is not yet known how toll payments will be carried out if ever the function goes live. Judging by how specific the plate is to each vehicle, a change in ownership will cost more for the new as the plate is priced at RM98. Perhaps there is a way to retain the plate but update the credentials or link the plate to a different account; we’ll see.
So, there you have it. These are some of the differences between TnG and the JPJePlate’s RFID system. While the initial bulk of the JPJePlate is for electric vehicles (EVs) only, eventually all newly registered cars (including combustion engine ones) will make the switch to the new plate design, but this will be optional for existing ones. Thoughts?
The new JPJePlate, which is compulsory for all new EVs registered from now on, is not an EV number plate series (as in ‘EV 1’ to ‘EV 9999’) but rather a specific licence plate design, different to the standard simple 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 plate, specifically for fully-electric vehicles. Bidding opened today and ends on September 13.
Independent of that, number plates under the current vehicle registration system (for example, V prefix for WP, B for Selangor etc) can be used with the JPJePlate, as can be seen in the photo examples here, but the plate itself is only for EVs. Most importantly, the presentation format for the plate is different, as highlighted during a special briefing on it by the ministry a while back and from today’s launch.
Euro-style, but adapted for Malaysia
How so? Well, as can be seen in the images, the new RPK features a new font. That’s because it does not have lettering affixed to it, instead being embossed on the plate, which is constructed of aluminium.
The background and lettering for the plate is in reverse to the existing plate system, with a white background (which is reflective) and lettering (which on the front plate features high-security, anti-counterfeit hot stamping foil on all alphabets and numerals) in black. Incidentally, the font in use for the plate is the same as that used in Germany.
If you’re thinking the design element looks very European, well, that’s because it is. The JPJeplate, measuring 11 cm tall and 52 cm wide, is sourced from Tonnjes, a German company specialising in such manner of 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 in the 860 MHz to 930 MHz UHF range. The RFID element – which can be used as an identifier at speeds of up to 230 km/h – isn’t in play yet, but future-proofs the plate for intelligent transportation system (ITS) integration down the line as well for possible payment options.
Theoretically, it can also help with the eventual implementation of ANPR (number plate recognition) and multi-lane free flow toll collection, but whether it will be employed for that remains to be seen. As the RFID on it uses the entire front plate as an antenna, the chip will give a much stronger signal than say, the plain sticker that TnG uses.
Why have a new plate design?
According to the ministry, the idea behind introducing the new plate design in what is essentially a pilot project for it is to easily differentiate new emissions-free vehicles from internal combustion engined ones.
In the first phase, its use is purely only for battery-electric (all-electric) vehicles, as hybrids, PHEVs or ICE vehicles will not have access to it. The ministry said that having the JPJePlate on EVs will serve as the primary identification for enforcement action as well in accidents, ensuring an appropriate response during such emergencies.
As Loke pointed out during his speech at the launch, the JPJePlate’s reflective white background and high legibility will also improve visibility aspects of a vehicle during the night, ensuring better road safety.
The differences between the JPJePlate (left) and existing vehicle licence plate. Click to enlarge.
Who will/can use this special EV plate?
As stated earlier, the JPJePlate can only be used for fully-electric vehicles for now, and it is mandatory fitment for all new EV registrations as of now, according to the ministry. As of today, September 9, 2024, the JPePlate is available for booking on the road transport department’s (JPJ) jpjeplate.jpj.gov.my website.
All applications for the new EV plate can only be done online via the dedicated JPJ website, for new EV registrations by the various OEM car companies retailing EVs or appointed business partners/installers. Based on the FAQ on the website, it suggests that as it goes along, vehicle accessory shops can apply to be authorised installers.
While it is compulsory for all new EVs, owners of existing EVs will have the option of switching to the JPJePlate for their vehicle starting from November, with registration of interest already open for it. For them, they will be able to apply for the plate directly, but the plates will still have to be fixed at authorised fitment centres. Existing EV owners do however have a choice of whether they want to utilise the new JPJePlate or continue using their existing traditional plate, because it is not compulsory to change to it.
First step towards standardised plates for all new cars in the future?
That’s the general idea, but this will be well down the road. At the briefing, the ministry revealed that Malaysia is among 5% of the countries left using traditional plates globally, and it is looking to gradually move away from that.
The initiative to introduce the new plate is aimed at exploring the eventual standardisation of the licence plate for all new vehicles registered in Malaysia, effectively eliminating fancy/non-regulation plates and reducing vehicle cloning opportunities, among other things.
If it gets to the point that adoption becomes uniform across all powertrain types, all new vehicle registrations will one day utilise the JPJeplate, or so goes the plan. However, it doesn’t mean that the RPK is mandatory for every motor vehicle that has been registered and is still running on the road. According to the ministry, legacy – as in existing – vehicles will be able to continue using the current plate format, meaning owners of these won’t have to fork out extra. Also, there are no plans to introduce these plates for motorcycles.
How much for it, and what do you get?
As you’d expect, there is cost involved. The JPJePlate is priced at RM98, bundled into the selling price of the car in the case of new registrations. For that outlay, you get a front (RFID-equipped) and rear aluminium plate as well as a third licence plate. in the form of a security sticker attached to the windshield.
Also containing a RAIN RFID chip and a QR code, the IDeStix windshield sticker has the same functionality as the front plate, offering a further layer of identification security – it is non-removable, and will be destroyed should there be an attempt to remove it.
Handal Ceria is the local vendor appointed to issue the plate, so the entire process of stamping and delivery of the JPJePlate goes through it in the pilot phase. The transport ministry said that the selection of a single company for this phase is intended to ensure a more organised and controlled implementation, with more suppliers expected to come into the picture as the implementation is expanded in the future
Once an application is processed and made, the company states that 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 cost of plate).
Express on demand delivery – orders made before 10am will be sent out on the same day (additional cost, depending on distance).
Self-collection – from the Handal Ceria office in Cyberjaya.
At the briefing, it was stated that the best time to submit applications for registration numbers that are already on hand should be five days before delivery of the vehicle to the customer. For running numbers, applications can be made once the eDaftar is done, using the provisional registration.
Installation process
Affixing the JPJePlate, including the windshield sticker, is carried out by the vehicle retailer or authorised business partner (which means self-collection, if chosen, has to be carried out by the latter’s designated staff).
Two types of fitment have been approved for the installation of the JPJePlate. 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 recommended choice in ensuring the highest level of security against theft, because it would make the plate difficult to remove.
The other is of course the traditional route, of using a 52 x 11 cm plate holder that the RPK can 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 a good screw can’t solve. It’s not hard to imagine that given their novelty, at least in the immediate future, quite a number of JPJePlates could well be liberated in cars parked in unattended locations.
Once fixed on the vehicle, images have to be taken of the fitment (front, rear and windscreen) and uploaded to the registration section of the dedicated website. This is to ensure that the fitment is accomplished and carried out correctly. The company said the approval process subsequent to the image submission will not take long.
Warranty and replacement
Should a vehicle be damaged in an accident and require a new JPJePlate, the application process for it can be done in the same manner as per new registrations. The cost is RM70 for a replacement front plate, RM30 for a rear plate and RM35 for a windshield sticker.
Neatly, the JPJePlate comes with a warranty that complies with ISO 7591 and DIN 74069 standards, effective from the date of manufacture. The plate is covered by a 10-year warranty against rust and a 10-year warranty against RFID data loss.
It is also covered by a seven-year warranty against RFID functionality and a five-year warranty against peeling, color fading, delamination (based on the ISO 7591 standard). The warranty does not of course cover damage caused by negligent maintenance, such as vandalism, misuse and intentional damage.
Also, for now, the RPK comes in a standard size given by JPJ, which is a wide format. As such, cars with spacing for a square plate will have to install a wide plate holder if they want to use the JPJePlate.
So, there you have it, the lowdown on the new JPJePlate for EVs. What do you think of the RPK? Do you like the direction being taken, or do you still prefer the current vehicle registration plate design?
