To curb the increasing pollution in Delhi, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has released the draft of ‘Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2026-2030’. This four-year policy focuses on rapidly promoting electric vehicles (EVs), improving air quality and strengthening clean transport systems. This policy is inspired by Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which considers clean air and pollution-free environment as part of the right to life. Besides, the decision of MC Mehta vs Union of India and laws like Environment Protection Act, 1986 and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 have also been taken as its basis.

According to the Air Quality Management Commission report, vehicles are responsible for 23 percent of pollution during winter in Delhi. The special thing is that two-wheelers constitute about 67 percent of the total vehicles, hence it is considered very important to convert them into electric vehicles rapidly. Apart from this, three wheelers, commercial cars, and small goods vehicles (N1) also cause more pollution.

The main objectives of this policy are to promote EV adoption across all vehicle segments, expand charging networks, develop battery recycling systems and reduce dependence on petrol-diesel vehicles. The government will give subsidy (DBT) directly into the bank account on purchasing EV. Two-wheeler electric vehicles will get a subsidy of Rs 10,000 per kilowatt (maximum Rs 30,000) in the first year, Rs 6,600 (maximum Rs 20,000) in the second year and Rs 3,300 (maximum Rs 10,000) in the third year.

For e-auto (three wheeler), assistance of Rs 50,000 will be given in the first year, Rs 40,000 in the second year and Rs 30,000 in the third year. Whereas small electric trucks (N1) will get benefits up to Rs 1 lakh in the first year, Rs 75,000 in the second year and Rs 50,000 in the third year. There will also be incentives for scrapping old BS-IV or below vehicles. Rs 10,000 on two-wheeler, Rs 25,000 on three-wheeler, Rs 1 lakh on car (up to Rs 30 lakh, first up to Rs 1 lakh) and Rs 50,000 on N1 truck.

On registration in Delhi, all EVs will get 100 percent exemption in road tax and registration fees. Electric cars up to Rs 30 lakh will get full discount and strong hybrids will get 50 percent discount, while cars above Rs 30 lakh will not get any discount. Delhi Transco Limited will be made the nodal agency for charging and battery swapping network. This organization will ensure planning, location and availability of electricity. Besides, a digital portal and single window system will also be created so that it can be easy to set up charging stations.

Vehicle manufacturing companies will have to install at least one public charging station at every dealership. There will be separate charging points for 2-3 wheelers and 4 wheelers. Delhi Pollution Control Committee will decide the rules for setting up battery collection centers and safe disposal. Battery tracking system will also be developed so that recycling and re-use can be done safely.

From January 1, 2027, only electric three-wheelers will be registered. From April 1, 2028, only electric two-wheelers will be registered. It will be mandatory to increase the share of EVs in school buses also. The target is to increase it by 10 percent in the first two years, 20 percent in the third year, and 30 percent by 2030. All new vehicles purchased in government departments will be electric. The new buses of Delhi Transport Corporation will also be electric. At the same time, delivery and fleet companies will be prevented from including petrol-diesel vehicles from 2026. The entire process will be made digital and paperless. The Transport Department will implement this policy and a special EV cell will be created. This policy is being considered as a big effort to take Delhi rapidly towards pollution-free and modern electric mobility.