The Tesla driver’s hidden message on his license plate has been branded “smug” and has fueled the growing war between fans of electric cars and lovers of traditional vehicles.
A driver spotted a Tesla Model S in Adelaide, South Australia, this week with RIP ICE plates and posted a photo of it on Facebook.
ICE refers to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, or what Australians know as everyday petrol or diesel cars.
“Rego quite appropriate for an electric vehicle,” said the driver.
One driver who saw the post wrote that the license plate was a “fair point.”
The license plate of a Tesla seen in Adelaide (pictured) refers to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, or vehicles that use gasoline.
Electric vehicle (EV) ownership in Australia has increased by two-thirds since 2022 (pictured, a load of EVs)
“ICE vehicle sales are declining, which will make them RIP,” they said.
‘Wow!!! That is the best tuition. I love it,” wrote another.
However, not everyone liked the plates, with some saying they make the driver stand out for the wrong reason.
‘Yes, I prefer not to poke the bear. There are too many idiots who hate electric vehicles. Unfortunately, these plates only guarantee that your car will receive the key,’ wrote one.
‘I hate those stupid dishes. I drive an electric vehicle, but I don’t need to drive around making cocky statements. Lame,” said another.
Social media users also shared their distaste for other “uppity” license plates recently seen on Australian roads, including “ONE-LESSCO2”, “NOFEWL” and “RIP FUEL”.
There are approximately 198,000 electric vehicles on Australian roads, reports yahooand a whopping two-thirds of that number have only been purchased since 2022.
Social media users have been quick to point out other ‘uppity’ license plates that have been seen on Australian roads recently.
However, not everyone believes electric vehicles are the future of Australian roads.
Gordon Walker said yahoo that although he has driven many electric vehicles, as well as owning one, he believes that cars are a “setback and a disaster.”
The Gold Coast retiree said more improvements were needed to the current electric vehicle infrastructure to make it a viable option, and believed hybrid vehicles could be a better option.
As the vehicles have gained popularity, EV drivers can face queues at charging stations, with most not serving cars towing caravans or trailers.
He Australian Government plans to grow the electric vehicle charger network by 2030 to meet increased demand.
In partnership with NRMA, the Federal Government is investing $39.3 million to build 117 electric vehicle fast charging sites to better connect towns and cities.
The funding will also ensure that there is a fast charger approximately every 150 kilometers on national roads.
Other states also agree with the New South Wales Government contribute $171 million to build a ‘world-class road network of ‘ultra-fast charging stations.’