The Delhi Government has released the draft of its ambitious Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030, aiming to combat severe air pollution and accelerate the shift to clean mobility in the national capital. The policy combines attractive financial incentives, tax waivers, scrappage bonuses, and strict mandates — most notably a proposed ban on new petrol two-wheeler registrations from April 1, 2028.
This draft builds on the earlier 2020 policy with more aggressive targets, infrastructure push, and regulatory measures.
Key Highlights of Delhi EV Policy 2026
1. Zero Road Tax & Registration Fees
All electric vehicles registered in Delhi during the policy period will enjoy 100% exemption on road tax and registration fees until March 31, 2030.
- Applies fully to electric cars with ex-showroom price up to ₹30 lakh.
- Strong hybrid vehicles get 50% exemption.
- Luxury EVs above ₹30 lakh get no exemption
This move significantly lowers the on-road price of popular EVs from Tata, MG, Mahindra, Hyundai, and others.
2. Purchase Incentives for Two-Wheelers
Electric two-wheelers (ex-factory price up to ₹2.25 lakh) will receive battery-capacity-linked subsidies that taper over three years:
- Year 1: ₹10,000 per kWh, up to ₹30,000.
- Year 2: ₹6,600 per kWh, up to ₹20,000.
- Year 3: ₹3,300 per kWh, up to ₹10,000.
3. Heavy Scrappage Incentives
To encourage replacement of old polluting vehicles:
- Two-wheelers: ₹10,000 incentive.
- Three-wheelers: ₹25,000.
- Four-wheelers/Cars: Up to ₹1 lakh when scrapping BS4 or older vehicles and buying a new eligible EV within six months. ndtv.com
4. Phase-Out of Petrol Two-Wheelers
- New registrations of petrol two-wheelers will be banned from April 1, 2028. Only electric two-wheelers will be allowed.
- For three-wheelers (autos): Only electric from January 1, 2027. instagram.com
Existing petrol vehicles can continue to operate; the ban applies only to new registrations.
5. Other Major Provisions
- Incentives for electric three-wheelers and light goods vehicles (N1 category).
- Push for charging infrastructure, battery swapping networks, and public charging stations.
- Mandates for government fleets, schools, and aggregators to adopt EVs.
- Focus on battery recycling and sustainable lifecycle management.
- Support for strong hybrids in the transition phase
Impact on Buyers & Industry
For Delhi residents, the policy makes EVs substantially more affordable. A typical electric scooter or bike could see effective savings of ₹20,000–40,000 through subsidies and tax waivers. Electric cars under ₹30 lakh (such as Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, or upcoming models) become even more attractive with zero road tax and potential scrappage bonus.
Two-wheeler manufacturers will need to accelerate EV line-ups, while the ban gives clear long-term direction to the market. Delivery fleets and gig workers stand to benefit from lower operating costs.
Challenges & Next Steps
While ambitious, success depends on robust charging infrastructure, reliable power supply, and smooth implementation of scrappage and incentives. The draft is currently open for public consultation and feedback.
The Delhi EV Policy 2026–2030 signals a strong governmental commitment to cleaner air. By combining carrots (subsidies, zero tax, scrappage bonuses) with sticks (registration bans), it aims to make Delhi a leader in urban EV adoption in India.
With the policy expected to be finalized soon, 2026 could mark a turning point for mobility in the capital. If you’re planning to buy an EV in Delhi, the coming months offer some of the best incentive windows.
