In a decisive move to combat the chronic air pollution that plagues the National Capital Region (NCR), the Delhi Government today released its most ambitious draft Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy to date. With a massive budgetary outlay of ₹3,954.25 crore, the policy mandates that from January 2027, only electric three-wheelers will be registered in the city. More significantly, all new two-wheeler registrations must be fully electric by April 2028. This move is designed to phase out internal combustion engines (ICE) in the transport sectors that contribute most to localized pollution levels.
Financial Incentives and Charging Infrastructure
To ensure a smooth transition, the policy introduces “scrappage bonuses” for owners of old petrol and diesel vehicles, alongside subsidized loans for commercial fleet operators. Chief Minister Atishi noted that the government will also install 50,000 new public charging points across Delhi by the end of 2026, ensuring that an EV user is never more than 1 kilometer away from a charging station. This infrastructure push is paired with a plan to convert 100% of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus fleet to electric by the end of this year, making it one of the largest green public transport networks in the world.
Challenges for the Industry
While environmentalists have hailed the policy as a “breath of fresh air,” automotive manufacturers have expressed concerns regarding the aggressive timeline. Industry leaders argue that the supply chain for lithium batteries and the domestic manufacturing of EV motors need more time to scale up to meet such high demand without relying heavily on Chinese imports. Furthermore, the impact on the second-hand vehicle market could be catastrophic for small-scale dealers. As the public consultation period begins, the debate remains: is Delhi’s infrastructure ready for a total electric pivot, or will this policy lead to a mobility crisis for the city’s working class?
