In a decisive move against Delhi’s smog crisis, the government has unveiled the draft Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2026-2030. This comprehensive plan seeks to electrify transport, enhance air quality, and build resilient infrastructure over the next four years.
Rooted in constitutional rights to clean environment and backed by key legal precedents and statutes, the policy addresses stark data: vehicles contribute nearly a quarter of pollution during peak winter months, dominated by two-wheelers at 67% of registrations. Three-wheelers, commercial cars, and light cargo vehicles also top the emitters list.
Objectives are clear – accelerate EV uptake, scale charging networks, innovate battery lifecycle management, and phase out petrol-diesel dependency. Incentives start with tiered Direct Benefit Transfer subsidies: two-wheelers get ₹10,000/kW max ₹30,000 year one, ₹6,600/kW max ₹20,000 year two, ₹3,300/kW max ₹10,000 year three.
Three-wheel e-autos receive ₹50,000, ₹40,000, ₹30,000 across years; N1 electric trucks up to ₹1 lakh, ₹75,000, ₹50,000. Vehicle scrappage rewards add heft: ₹10,000-₹1 lakh based on category, prioritizing affordable cars.
Registration perks include full tax exemptions for EVs, 100% for sub-₹30 lakh electrics and 50% for strong hybrids. Infrastructure ramps up with Delhi Transco as nodal agency for charging stations and swapping points, supported by a streamlined digital platform.
OEMs are mandated to equip every dealership with public chargers tailored for different vehicle types. Battery management falls to DPCC, mandating collection hubs, disposal protocols, and traceability for eco-friendly recycling.
Phased mandates hit hard: electric-only three-wheeler registrations from 2027, two-wheelers from 2028. School transport aims for escalating EV shares up to 30% by decade’s end. Government procurement goes fully electric, DTC buses included; logistics firms barred from fossil fuel buys post-2026. Execution via a new EV cell ensures efficiency.
Delhi’s policy signals a paradigm shift, steering towards sustainable urban mobility and breathable air for millions.
