Delhi’s New EV Policy 2.0: What It Means for the People of the National Capital

New Delhi, April 2025 — In a bold and unprecedented move toward sustainable urban mobility, the Delhi government has officially unveiled its much-awaited Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0—an ambitious framework designed to slash vehicular emissions and combat the city’s worsening air quality crisis.

Building on the success of its 2020 EV policy, this second iteration introduces stricter deadlines and broader mandates that target the most polluting segments of the transport sector. With wide-reaching reforms impacting petrol and CNG-powered two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and even private car ownership norms, the new policy aims not only to modernize Delhi’s transportation infrastructure but also to influence behavioral shifts among residents. At its core, EV Policy 2.0 is about reducing the city’s carbon footprint and achieving a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable future. The policy is expected to touch the lives of millions of daily commuters and vehicle owners, marking a definitive shift in how Delhiites move through their city.

Two-Wheelers to Go Electric by 2026

One of the boldest reforms under the Delhi EV Policy 2.0 is the complete ban on the registration of new petrol and CNG-powered two-wheelers starting August 15, 2026. This is a monumental step considering that two-wheelers account for nearly 60% of Delhi’s total vehicle population and are among the top contributors to particulate matter emissions in the city.

The government aims for a 100% transition to electric two-wheelers by mid-2026, a goal that underscores the urgency to cut down on localized vehicular pollution. Delivery agents, e-commerce fleet operators, and daily commuters who rely on scooters and bikes will be among the first groups affected—and also among the first to benefit from lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance.

“We’re targeting a 100% transition to electric two-wheelers by mid-2026,” said a senior Delhi government official. “This is essential for tackling local air pollution and creating long-term sustainable habits among citizens.”

Notably, existing petrol or CNG two-wheelers will not be immediately deregistered, but they will face natural attrition due to age-based phaseouts and fewer service options. In addition, the government is expected to offer purchase subsidies, scrappage incentives, and tax exemptions to encourage voluntary upgrades to EVs, ensuring the transition remains inclusive and economically feasible.

🚖 End of the Road for CNG Autos by 2027

Once hailed as a clean alternative to diesel, CNG auto-rickshaws are now being phased out as the city shifts toward zero-emission mobility. Under the new policy:

• New registrations for CNG autos will cease after August 15, 2025

• Renewal of existing CNG auto permits will also stop after this date

• All new auto permits issued post-August 2025 will be for electric variants only

• A complete ban on CNG auto-rickshaws is expected by December 31, 2027

This dramatic shift is set to impact over 90,000 auto drivers operating across Delhi, many of whom depend on these vehicles for their livelihood. To support them during the transition, the government plans to introduce targeted financial schemes, including:

• Low-interest loans for purchasing e-autos

• Retrofitting incentives for existing CNG autos (if technologically viable)

• Special EV zones with dedicated parking and charging infrastructure for e-autos

The move not only aligns with Delhi’s broader electrification targets but also promises quieter, smoother rides and reduced operational costs for drivers in the long term. By 2027, the streets of Delhi could be free of CNG autos entirely, marking a critical milestone in its fight against urban air pollution.

Private Vehicle Ownership: New Rules to Encourage Green Choices

In a strategic push to rein in fossil fuel dependency in the private vehicle segment, the Delhi EV Policy 2.0 introduces a first-of-its-kind vehicle cap regulation aimed specifically at wealthier households and multi-vehicle owners. According to the new rule:

Any individual or household that already owns two fossil fuel-powered vehicles (whether two-wheelers or four-wheelers) must ensure that their third registered vehicle is electric.

This clause is a direct nudge toward “green ownership” among the city’s upper-middle class, who are typically more likely to own multiple vehicles. It targets not only high-income families but also automobile enthusiasts and collectors, many of whom have largely been outside the scope of past EV-centric regulations.

The rationale behind this policy is twofold:

1. Reduce the concentration of fossil fuel vehicles per household, which often leads to increased congestion and emissions in residential areas.

2. Create a behavioral shift where electric vehicles are not just seen as second or third options but as mainstream choices for primary transport.

While the clause does not apply retroactively, any new vehicle registration falling under this category will be monitored through the VAHAN portal (India’s central vehicle registration database). Officials have hinted at future enforcement mechanisms, such as blocking the registration of a third fossil fuel vehicle until proof of EV ownership is submitted.

This measure is expected to drive demand for electric sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs, especially in the premium and luxury segments where several new EV models have entered the market. It also underscores the government’s intent to make EV ownership aspirational, not just functional.

Garbage Collection to Go Green by 2027

Delhi’s EV Policy 2.0 takes a holistic view of urban sustainability—not just focusing on personal or commercial vehicles, but also on municipal fleet electrification. One of the standout mandates is that all garbage collection vehicles operated by municipal corporations must be fully electric by December 31, 2027.

Currently, most waste collection trucks in Delhi run on diesel or CNG and operate extensively during early mornings and late nights, emitting pollutants directly into residential neighborhoods. These vehicles contribute to both air and noise pollution, making them a key target for decarbonization under the new policy.

“Waste management shouldn’t come at the cost of clean air,” a Delhi government official stated. “By transitioning to electric garbage trucks, we’re not only cleaning the streets—but also cleaning the air we breathe.”

The electrification mandate will cover:

• Household garbage collection vehicles

• Larger compactor trucks for municipal landfills

• Street-sweeping and sanitation vehicles

To support the transition, the government is expected to:

• Offer dedicated grants and subsidies to municipal bodies and contractors

• Partner with commercial EV manufacturers for bulk procurement of e-waste trucks

• Develop charging depots near landfill sites and waste management zones

This move is projected to cut down hundreds of tons of CO₂ and PM2.5 emissions annually, while also promoting quieter and more efficient waste collection operations across all 11 districts of Delhi.

What This Means for You: A Breakdown by User Type

The Delhi EV Policy 2.0 is not just a top-down administrative reform—it’s a change that will touch the daily lives of nearly every citizen. Whether you’re a commuter, a vehicle owner, or a business operator, here’s how the policy could impact you:

🔄 For Commuters: Time to Shift Gears

• If you’re planning to buy a two-wheeler or auto-rickshaw within the next 12–24 months, it’s wise to begin exploring electric alternatives now. Petrol and CNG options will soon be phased out for registration, and EVs will become the only viable new purchase option post-2026.

• Expect quieter rides and reduced smog levels, especially in dense areas like Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, and Connaught Place, where traffic congestion is high.

• The expansion of charging infrastructure and EV subsidies means electric vehicles will likely become more accessible and affordable across income groups.

🚘 For Existing Vehicle Owners: Prepare for New Norms

• If your household owns two fossil-fuel vehicles, you’ll need to ensure that your third vehicle is electric—a rule that may be enforced through the VAHAN registration portal.

• The government is likely to roll out scrappage incentives, tax rebates, and low-interest loans to encourage the shift to EVs.

• Older petrol and diesel vehicles may face stricter fitness tests or restricted entry into low-emission zones in the future.

💼 For Businesses: A Paradigm Shift in Urban Logistics

• Logistics, food delivery, and ride-hailing companies will need to accelerate fleet electrification or risk operational and licensing limitations in the coming years.

• The policy presents a major opportunity for e-commerce companies, fleet operators, and startups to innovate with EV-based logistics, especially last-mile delivery.

• It also opens new revenue streams for:

  • EV charging station providers

  • Battery-swapping startups

  • Electric fleet leasing companies

Bottom line: early movers will benefit from incentives and infrastructure support, while laggards may face operational restrictions and higher compliance costs.

What’s Next? Infrastructure, Affordability & Accountability

While Delhi’s EV Policy 2.0 sets ambitious goals with clear timelines, the path to success hinges on one critical factor: execution. The next 24 to 36 months will be pivotal in determining whether the policy can truly transform Delhi into a model for green urban mobility.

🏗️ Charging Infrastructure: The Cornerstone

A 100% EV transition cannot succeed without widespread, reliable, and fast charging infrastructure. The Delhi government is expected to:

• Expand the network of public charging stations, especially in residential areas, markets, and parking lots.

• Promote battery-swapping stations for two-wheelers and commercial vehicles to reduce downtime.

• Encourage RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations) and private builders to install EV chargers in housing societies.

• Partner with DISCOMs to offer subsidized electricity tariffs for EV charging, improving affordability.

As of now, Delhi has over 4,000 public charging points, but at least 18,000–20,000 will be needed by 2026 to meet policy targets.

💰 Affordability & Incentives

To make EVs accessible to the masses, especially two-wheeler users and auto drivers:

• New direct purchase subsidies are likely to be announced soon, complementing existing central FAME-II benefits.

• Low-interest financing schemes and zero-down-payment options may be extended to gig workers and fleet owners.

• A scrappage policy could offer trade-in bonuses for surrendering old petrol or diesel vehicles.

🤝 Public-Private Partnerships: A New Mobility Ecosystem

The government has signaled interest in collaborating with:

• Private EV manufacturers and leasing firms to increase vehicle supply.

• Startups in mobility tech and battery management to build local innovation capacity.

• Corporate and retail hubs to create EV-exclusive parking and charging zones.

These partnerships will be essential in scaling up infrastructure and making Delhi an EV-friendly city in both policy and practice.

“Delhi EV Policy 2.0 is more than a roadmap—it’s a declaration that clean mobility is no longer optional. It’s the future,” said a senior official from the Delhi Transport Department.

If executed efficiently, Delhi could join global leaders like Oslo, Amsterdam, and Singapore as a benchmark city in urban electric transformation—setting a precedent for other Indian metros to follow.

, it could place Delhi among the global leaders in urban electric mobility.

🔗 For more information and official updates, visit:
👉 Delhi Transport Department – EV Policy Updates

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