In a decisive move to combat air pollution and accelerate the shift to sustainable transport, the Delhi government has released the draft Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2026–2030. Often referred to as EV Policy 2.0, the document outlines a clear, time-bound roadmap that combines strict regulatory measures, financial incentives, and massive infrastructure expansion to make electric mobility the preferred choice in the national capital.
The policy aims to significantly reduce vehicular emissions — which contribute nearly one-fourth of Delhi’s air pollution — by gradually phasing out new petrol and diesel vehicles while making EVs more affordable and practical for buyers.
The draft introduces firm deadlines to drive the transition:
- From January 1, 2027, only electric three-wheelers will be allowed for new registrations.
- From April 1, 2028, registration of new petrol two-wheelers will be completely stopped. Two-wheelers currently make up around 67% of Delhi’s total vehicle population, making this a major step.
- For commercial fleets and cab aggregators, no new petrol or diesel two-wheelers and light goods vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes) will be permitted from January 1, 2026.
To make the switch attractive, the policy offers several financial benefits:
- 100% exemption on road tax and registration fees for all electric cars priced up to ₹30 lakh (ex-showroom), valid until March 31, 2030. Electric vehicles above ₹30 lakh will not get this benefit, while strong hybrids will receive 50% exemption.
- Battery-linked purchase incentives for electric two-wheelers (up to ₹30,000 in the first year), e-autos (up to ₹50,000), and electric goods vehicles.
- Scrappage incentives for those replacing old BS-IV or older vehicles: up to ₹1 lakh for electric cars (limited to the first 1,00,000 buyers), ₹10,000 for two-wheelers, and ₹25,000 for three-wheelers.
These incentives will be provided through direct benefit transfer and are expected to taper gradually over the policy period.
The draft also emphasises large-scale expansion of public charging stations across the city. All urban local bodies will be encouraged to set up charging points, with private sector participation being actively promoted.
Additionally, the policy sets electrification targets for government institutions, schools, and public fleets, aiming for a broader ecosystem-level shift by 2030.
The draft policy has been uploaded on the Delhi Transport Department’s website and is open for public feedback for the next 30 days. Citizens, industry stakeholders, and experts can submit their suggestions via email or post before the final version is notified.
If implemented effectively, Delhi’s EV Policy 2026–2030 could serve as a strong model for other states looking to clean up urban transport. It marks a shift from purely incentive-driven approaches to a balanced mix of “carrot and stick” — rewards for early adopters and clear restrictions for those who delay the transition.
