Hungary achieved a significant milestone in March 2025 with the issuance of 2,946 new green number plates, setting a new monthly record and surpassing the previous peak of 2,920 plates issued in March 2024. This figure is particularly notable as plug-in hybrids no longer qualify for green number plates under the current regulation, emphasizing the momentum behind zero-emission vehicles.

BEVs Lead the Surge

The growth was driven almost entirely by battery electric vehicles (BEVs). A total of 2,926 newly registered BEVs were added to Hungary's fleet in March, marking the highest monthly increase ever recorded in this segment. Of these:

• 2,712 were passenger cars
  • 1,155 were brand-new vehicles
  • 1,557 were used imports

This balance underlines the growing role of the second-hand market in supporting Hungary’s electric transition and improving access to e-mobility.

Diversification of Vehicle Types

March also saw significant expansion across other vehicle categories:

• 210 electric light commercial vehicles received plates, reflecting increasing electrification in logistics and urban deliveries.
• One new electric truck and three electric buses were also registered, supporting the decarbonisation of freight and public transport.
• In two-wheel mobility, seven electric motorcycles were registered — a modest figure, yet indicative of early spring interest and growing diversification.

Cumulative Progress

As of March 31, 2025, Hungary's green-plated vehicle fleet included:

• 71,889 battery electric passenger cars
• 5,250 electric light trucks
• 214 electric buses
• 19 electric tractors

The total number of green-plated vehicles across all categories reached 122,372, demonstrating the expanding presence of emission-free mobility across Hungarian roads.

Geographic Distribution

Out of the total green-plated fleet:

• 46,772 vehicles were registered in Budapest
• 75,600 in other regions

This distribution shows that electromobility is spreading well beyond the capital, gaining ground in regional centres and smaller municipalities.

Policy Background

Although Hungary no longer issues green number plates to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), 11 such vehicles were still granted plates in March due to grandfathered eligibility from earlier applications. The number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (coded as 5Z) remained unchanged, reflecting the limited market maturity of this technology in Hungary.

Outlook

With Hungary’s BEV fleet nearing 80,000 units, and monthly additions at all-time highs, the country is steadily aligning with the EU’s climate and mobility objectives. The surge in used imports alongside new sales is also helping to democratize access to zero-emission mobility, an important factor in long-term adoption.

Hungary's evolving green number plate program offers valuable insight into the pace and diversity of electromobility adoption, setting the stage for further growth across passenger, commercial, and public transport segments.

Source:

• Ministry of Interior
• Villanyautosok

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.