CARVERSAL

In a path-breaking initiative to combat air pollution and provide a clean transport system, the Delhi government has introduced its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0. The policy is also coupled with stringent rules on new vehicle registrations like cars, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers. The plan is to make Delhi cleaner modes of mobility, and 95% of total vehicle registrations should be electric by 2027.

​Delhi's EV Policy 2​.0 Key Highlights

Compulsory Electric Vehicles for Third Personal Vehicles:

One-third of every Delhi family-owned personal vehicle purchased must be an electric vehicle (EV) as per the new policy. Assume a family has two motor vehicles running on gasoline and diesel. Then, one of those three motor vehicles will be an EV. This prevents families from relying on environmentally contaminating vehicles and pushes them towards utilizing less fossil fuel vehicles.

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Three-Wheeler Fossil Fuel Withdrawal:

Registration of new three-wheelers powered by fossil fuels, such as auto-rickshaws and three-wheeler goods carriers, will be disallowed from August 2025. CNG auto-rickshaws above 10 years will need to be converted into electric ones or be retrofitted. Fresh CNG auto permits will no longer be issued, and already issued permits will be permitted for electrically driven vehicles only.

Ban on Registration of Non-Electric Two-Wheelers:

The sale of new petrol and diesel two-wheelers, such as motorbikes and scooters, will be disallowed after August 2026. The decision has been made to enhance the usage of electric two-wheelers, which play a significant role in last-mile transportation and curb pollution in urban areas.

Conversion of Government Vehicles into EVs:

The policy guarantees that the entire fleet of garbage collection vehicles of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other civic bodies will be phased out in favor of electric models. The target is a 100% electric fleet, which will act as an inspiration to private operators and citizens alike.

EV Charging Infrastructure development:

To facilitate the growing number of EVs, the Delhi government is going to install 13,200 new EV charging stations in the city. This will provide charging stations every 5 kilometers, providing range anxiety-free driving and hassle-free ownership of EVs.

Incentives and Subsidies for Purchasing EVs:

The plan offers an incentive to buy INR 10,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery capacity, up to INR 1.5 lakh per vehicle, for electric cars and light commercial electric vehicles. The financial incentives are likely to cut the price and attractiveness of EVs for customers.

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Reserved Parking and Charging Facilities:

For new buildings with parking spaces for 20 or more cars, the policy recommends occupancy certificates only if four or more EV charging points are provided. In new buildings, 20% of the parking space is reserved for EVs, and in old buildings, 5% of the parking space must be reserved for EVs to facilitate convenient parking and charging facilities for EV owners.

Reasoning Behind the Policy

Delhi has long struggled with severe air pollution, with Air Quality Index (AQI) levels hitting record levels in recent years. The AQI peaked at 465 in November 2024, triggering extreme actions such as closing schools and excluding diesel trucks from the city.

Transport is one of the biggest polluters in Delhi, with the majority of vehicles emitting poisonous pollutants. With such vigorous efforts, the Delhi government wishes to restrict emissions from motor vehicles, increase the cleanliness of the air, and be in line with international principles of sustainability. The transition to EVs has been considered to be pivotal in restricting the generation of greenhouse gas emissions as well as increasing the use of clean energy.

Challenges and Considerations:

While the policy has a visionary forward-looking for green transport, there are some concerns that might arise:

Infrastructure Development: The policy is successful based on the rate at which EV charging infrastructure develops. Widespread availability and accessibility of charging points are necessary to make the adoption of EVs possible.

Consumer Acceptance: Consumers must undergo a change in attitude to shift from conventional cars to EVs. Range anxiety, charging time, and cost of the vehicle may be some of the drivers of consumer acceptance.

Industry Adaptation: The automobile companies will have to make adjustments to the new policy by increasing the production of electric vehicles and phasing out fossil fuel-based vehicles. This may mean massive investments in R&D.

Equity and Accessibility: All efforts should be directed so that the benefits of EV policy reach all sections of society, including low-income households. This involves making EVs more affordable and charging points accessible in poor localities.

Read More: All you need to know about DIESEL Ban in India​

Conclusion

Delhi's EV Policy 2.0 is a dynamic and inclusive strategy towards addressing Delhi's air pollution problem and green mobility. By implementing measures such as making EVs mandatory for the third family vehicles, de-treating fossil fuel-run vehicles, and expanding charging stations, the policy lays down a clear roadmap to a pollution-free and cleaner city. Proper implementation, synchronization between stakeholders, and collective efforts to overcome the issues with such a sea change in the transport industry, though, are needed for it to be successful.

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