As we increasingly move from an analog into a digital world, not much is being left behind, including vehicle license plates. The state of California started looking at introducing electronic license plates back in 2010 and now the City of Sacramento is moving forward with the idea by outfitting a fleet of Chevy Bolts with Reviver Auto’s Rplate Pro.
The Rplate Pro is a monochromatic Bi-stable LCD display — similar to Amazon Kindle’s E Ink display — covered with protective glass and powered by a replaceable battery. The weatherproof, Internet-connected device makes it easy for automated registration renewals that don’t require those stickers, shares location and mileage of stolen and/or fleet vehicles be tracked by GPS, and can display custom messages such as PSAs, amber alerts or paid advertising when the car is parked.
Right now, the Rplate Pro only replaces a back plate. Regulations still require an analog, metal plate for the front of the vehicle. While the plates could be a source of revenue for the state by ad sales, currently the plates sell for around $700 plus a monthly service fee of around $7.
