The Delhi Cabinet has officially approved a comprehensive new Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, setting the stage for a significant push towards electric mobility in the capital. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the policy's approval, emphasizing its long-awaited implementation, expected to commence from July 1 after Lieutenant Governor's final consent.
Key Incentives for EV Buyers
Under the new policy, electric cars priced at ₹30 lakh or less will receive a full 100 percent exemption on both road tax and registration fees, making EV ownership more accessible. Additionally, electric vehicle buyers are eligible for subsidies of up to ₹50,000.
- Two-wheelers: Buyers will receive a ₹30,000 subsidy in the first year, ₹20,000 in the second, and ₹10,000 in the third.
- Three-wheelers: Incentives are set at ₹50,000 for the first year, ₹40,000 for the second, and ₹30,000 for the third.
- N1 Category Electric Trucks: These vehicles will benefit from a purchase incentive of up to ₹1 lakh.
Investment and Phased Transition
CM Gupta stated that the government plans to invest approximately ₹15,000 crore over the next four years to support the policy. The "EV Policy 2.0" aims for electric vehicles to constitute 95 percent of all new vehicle registrations in Delhi by 2027, marking an ambitious target for emission reduction and sustainable transport.
A crucial component of the policy is a scrapping incentive of ₹1 lakh for owners of BS-IV four-wheelers who choose to scrap their older, more polluting vehicles before September 30, 2026. This initiative is designed to encourage a faster transition to cleaner alternatives.
Phasing Out Conventional Vehicles
The policy outlines a clear roadmap for phasing out conventional fuel-powered vehicles:
- From January 1, 2027, only electric autorickshaws will be registered in Delhi.
- New petrol and CNG two-wheeler registrations will be gradually phased out, with only electric two-wheelers permitted for registration from April 1, 2028.
This comprehensive strategy, building on the earlier EV policy launched in August 2020, underscores Delhi's commitment to tackling air pollution and fostering a robust electric mobility ecosystem.