According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report by IQAir, Delhi is India’s most polluted city. To combat the severe air pollution in the national capital region, the Delhi and central governments are formulating strategies to accelerate the shift towards electric mobility. A major step in this direction is the upcoming Delhi EV Policy 2.0, expected to be introduced in the coming weeks. This new policy is anticipated to bring significant changes in the previous framework to increase EV adoption in the region.
Ban on Petrol Scooters and Motorcycles
The Delhi government is reportedly exploring the possibility of banning petrol-powered two-wheelers from August 2026. However, this measure may initially be limited to commercial and fleet operators, with private owners possibly getting a longer transition period.
Other Expected Measures Under Delhi EV Policy 2.0
- There is a proposal that would require every third private car purchased in a Delhi household to be an EV, ensuring a gradual transition to cleaner mobility.
- The government may stop registering fossil fuel-powered three-wheelers starting in August 2025.
- Only cleaner-fuel buses could be permitted for registration from August 2025 onward.
- The gradual phase-out of CNG autorickshaws.
- A plan may be introduced to ensure all three-wheeler goods vehicles and light goods vehicles transition to electric by 2026.
- Commercial taxis might be granted a longer timeline for electrification.
- Private cars and two-wheelers could be the last category to transition, potentially targeted for complete electrification by 2030-2035.
- The policy may introduce higher purchase incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, light commercial vehicles, and electric trucks.
- Scrapping and retrofitting incentives could be expanded to encourage owners of older ICE vehicles to switch to EVs.
- Additional tax benefits may be provided to further accelerate EV adoption.
- The government is likely to increase the number of public EV charging stations across Delhi.
- New commercial buildings and residential societies may be required to allocate at least 20% of their parking space for EV charging infrastructure.
- Older buildings could be asked to set aside 5% of parking for EVs to facilitate charging installations.
- Private charging and battery swapping networks may receive financial or regulatory incentives to expand their operations.
- A proposal is reportedly in place to ensure that all vehicles used by state civic agencies become fully electric by 2027.
Must Read: Delhi Imposes Fuel Ban on 15-Year-Old Vehicles: What You Need to Know
Critical Analysis & Challenges
While the Delhi EV Policy 2.0 sets ambitious goals, its success depends on several key challenges: –
- Expanding public charging infrastructure remains a major hurdle, especially in older localities with limited parking and power supply.
- Despite incentives, electric vehicles still have higher upfront costs, which may discourage adoption among lower-middle-class buyers.
- A ban on petrol two-wheelers for commercial use could negatively affect delivery and ride-sharing businesses, increasing their operational costs.
- The availability of lithium-ion batteries and their sustainable disposal remains a critical concern.
- A full transition of buses, taxis, and three-wheelers to electric power requires significant investment in fleet electrification and charging depots.
- Strict enforcement and monitoring mechanisms will be necessary to ensure businesses, individuals, and government agencies adhere to new norms.
- Educating consumers about the benefits and reliability of EVs will be crucial for mass adoption.
These measures, if implemented effectively, could significantly transform Delhi’s mobility landscape and contribute to cleaner air in the national capital. However, their success will depend on strong policy execution, infrastructure readiness, and widespread consumer adoption.
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