Back in 2010, we first heard about how the state of California was looking at introducing digital electronic license plates. Well, it's recently done so, and it's got the ball rolling by outfitting the City of Sacramento's fleet of Chevrolet Bolt EVs with Reviver Auto's Rplate Pro.
Featuring a monochromatic eReader-like Bi-stable LCD display that's covered with protective glass, the Rplate Pro is powered by its own replaceable battery, and replaces the car's current "analog" rear plate – a traditional metal plate is still legally required on the front of the vehicle, in California at least.
Among other things, the weatherproof internet-connected device allows for automated registration renewals (no more applying decals), it lets the location and mileage of stolen and/or fleet vehicles be tracked by GPS, and when the car is parked, it can display custom messages such as public service announcements, amber alerts or paid advertising.
Selling advertising on the plates could be a source of revenue for California, and the state should be able to save money by reducing the need to manufacture and mail out metal plates. Instead, individuals or companies interested in using the plates will have to buy them from participating auto dealers, at a cost of US$699 plus a monthly service fee of around $7.
So far, the City of Sacramento has equipped 24 cars with the electronic plates, and plans on adding them to another 11 Bolts that it has yet to receive. The Rplate Pro has been commercially available in California since June 1st, and is being trialled in a pilot project in Arizona. Similar projects could soon begin in Texas, Florida and Washington State, plus the plates may be coming to the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai in the near future.
More of the Rplate Pro's features are outlined in the video below.
Source: Reviver Auto
