Tesla driver’s hidden message in ‘smug’ number plate – as it fuels the war between revheads and EV fans

The Tesla driver’s hidden message in his license plate has been branded ‘smug’ and has fueled the growing war between electric car fans and traditional vehicle enthusiasts.

A Tesla Model S was spotted by a driver in Adelaide, South Australia this week with the license plates RIP ICE and they 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.

“Very appropriate for an EV,” said the driver.

One driver who saw the post wrote that the license plate was a “fair point.”

Electric vehicle (EV) ownership in Australia has increased by two-thirds since 2022 (pictured an EV charging)

“Sales of ICE vehicles are declining, which will cause them to become RIP,” they said.

‘Wow!!! That’s the best license plate. I love it,” wrote another.

However, not everyone liked the license plates, and some say they make the driver stand out for the wrong reason.

‘Yes, I’d rather not poke the bear. There are too many idiots who hate EVs. Unfortunately, these plates only guarantee that your car will be keyed,” one person wrote.

‘I hate those stupid signs. I drive an EV, but I don’t need to drive around making smug statements. Lame,” said another.

Social media users also shared their distaste for other ‘smug’ license plates recently spotted on Australian roads, such as ‘ONE-LESSCO2’, ‘NOFEWL’ and ‘RIP FUEL’.

There are approximately 198,000 electric vehicles on Australian roads, as reported by Yahoowith as much as two-thirds of that number only being purchased since 2022.

Social media users were quick to point out other ‘smug’ license plates spotted on Australian roads recently

However, not everyone believes electric vehicles are the future of Australian roads.

Gordon Walker told it Yahoo that although he has driven and owned many electric cars, he believes the cars are a “hiccup and a disaster.”

The Gold Coast retiree said more improvement to the current EV infrastructure was needed for this to be a viable option, believing hybrid vehicles could be a better option.

As the vehicles become more popular, EV drivers may face queues at charging stations – and most are not suitable for cars towing a caravan or trailer.

The Australian government has plans to expand its EV charging network by 2030 to meet rising demand.

In partnership with NRMA, the federal government is investing $39.3 million to build 117 fast EV charging points to better connect towns and cities.

The funding also ensures that there is a fast charger on national highways approximately every 150 km.

Other states are also on board NSW Government Contributing $171 million to build a world-class road network of ‘ultra-fast charging stations’.