Unlocking the Future, One Monthly Fee at a Time
Ah it’s the end of a busy day and you’ve just received your a must-read from your favourite online bookshop (no, not that one, rather that local book store that doesn’t burn down the Amazon for datacentres). You get it home, crack open the first chapter, and … WTF is this? A message: “Want to read Chapters 5 through 10? That’ll be £16.50 a month, or £649 for lifetime access.”
Sounds nuts, right? You’ve already bought the book. You own the pages. Why should you have to pay extra just to unlock words the publisher deliberately hid?
Now, in a completely unrelated story, Volkswagen has decided that if you buy one of its electric cars, you might not be getting all the horsepower you paid for.
Unlocking Horsepower by Subscription – VW’s New Model
The latest move affects VW’s ID.3 Pro and Pro S models in the UK. By default, they deliver 201 horsepower. But hidden under the bonnet is more potential. Topping out at 228 horsepower, to be precise.
To unlock it? VW now offers a subscription. You can pay:
- £16.50 per month
- £165 a year
- Or £649 for a “lifetime” unlock that transfers with the car.
On paper, it’s framed as “flexibility.” Don’t need the extra punch today? No worries, you can add it later. But plenty of drivers see something different: a carmaker intentionally holding back performance you already own, unless you cough up more cash.
Why Drivers Are Pushing Back
When we asked drivers online what they thought, the responses were blunt. In fact, we struggled to find a single person who genuinely liked the idea.
Normally, with any new feature, you find at least a handful of defenders. Not this time. We even had to go off chats to the wider web. We looked high and low, but there wasn’t a single voice saying: “Yes, I’d love to pay extra each month for performance my car already has.” – Unless it came from Oliver Blume (CEO of Volkswagen Group)
We saw a few respondents trying to put it into perspective. They noted it’s “just 27 horsepower,” and that most drivers will never really notice the difference in daily life. But even they warned: this sets a dangerous precedent. If manufacturers can lock horsepower behind a paywall, what’s next? Heated seats? Airbags? Even brakes?
The loudest group of all were those swearing off VW altogether. Long-time customers said this was the final straw after years of loyalty. Others simply promised their next car would come from a brand that doesn’t nickel-and-dime them. The common refrain? “I’ll never buy a VW again.”
Our Take
At Yellowhite, we’ve genuinely admired VW’s EV transformation. The ID range has been a bold and impressive step toward electrification. But this? This feels like a wrong turn.
Drivers deserve to own their cars outright, horsepower and all. Adding “feature-as-a-service” layers into ownership risks eroding trust and pushing people away from brands they once loved. As one long-time VW fan told us, after owning several Golfs and Audis, this kind of policy was the final straw.
And that’s the real shame: it undermines an otherwise brilliant shift into the electric future.
Yellowhite’s Promise – No Subscriptions, Just Private Plates
Here at Yellowhite we’ve decided to follow VW’s lead. Buy a private registration from us today and for an extra £16 a month, we’ll also let you have the rear yellow plate too.
…Only joking. With us, what you see is what you get. No hidden fees. No subscriptions. Just your story, your plates.
Buy Private Plates Without Hidden Fees
At Yellowhite, what you see really is what you get. When you buy a private plate from us, there’s obviously no “unlock fee,” no monthly add-on, and definitely no subscription to make your car look more you. With private plates, one fair price, and the plate is yours – for life. Simple.
How Our DVLA Number Plate Transfers Work
Our DVLA number plate transfers are straightforward and transparent. We handle the paperwork, guide you through the process, and make sure your plate is legally registered to your vehicle without any fuss. No confusing small print, no “features held hostage.” Just your registration, on your car, done right.
Cheap Private Plates Under £200 – Simple, Transparent Pricing
Want to personalise your car without breaking the bank? We’ve got hundreds of cheap private plates under £200, ready to go. No hidden costs, no sneaky fees – just affordable, personalised registrations that make your car stand out. Think of it as customisation done the Yellowhite way: upfront, transparent, and a little more fun than paying VW £16 a month for horsepower you already own.
FAQs
Do private number plates have hidden fees at Yellowhite?
Nope. No subscriptions, no “unlock” charges, just one clear price for your private plate.
How do DVLA number plate transfers work?
We guide you step-by-step and handle the paperwork so your registration moves legally and smoothly onto your vehicle. We offer a all in one easy reg transfer service so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Can I buy cheap private plates under £200?
Yes, we regularly list private plates under £200. They start from as little as £134 (All inclusive of VAT and DVLA fees) Great for first-timers, gifts or a quick upgrade.
Are private plates legal and MOT-friendly?
Absolutely, as long as you follow DVLA display rules (correct font, spacing, and materials). All our number plates are 100% compliant and you can get them here.
How long does a plate transfer take?
Typically a few days, from 7 to 10 working days once DVLA processes the application. We’ll keep you updated throughout.
Can I put a private plate on a lease or PCP car?
Yes. You’ll usually need your finance provider’s permission and to put the original plate back at the end of the term. Read the full requirements to put a private plate on a lease or PCP vehicle here.
Will my private plate increase insurance costs?
Usually not, but always tell your insurer when you change registrations.
Can I keep or transfer my plate when I sell my car?
Yes! You can retain it on a certificate and assign it to another vehicle later. And we have a great guide to keeping your registration plate when selling your vehicle here.
Is a private plate a good gift?
It’s a brilliant, personal gift. We can help you set it up on retention if you don’t have the recipient’s vehicle details yet.
What makes Yellowhite different?
Transparent pricing, expert help with DVLA transfers and the cheapest prices – zero subscriptions just your story, your plates.
