The Delhi Transport Department has released a draft Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2026–2030 in Delhi, proposing a major shift towards electric mobility. The draft includes a ban on registration of new petrol two-wheelers from April 1, 2028 and allows only electric three-wheelers to be registered from January 1, 2027.
Open for 30 days of public feedback, the policy combines phased mandates, financial incentives and expansion of charging infrastructure to tackle air pollution. While officials say the move is necessary to curb emissions, concerns remain around affordability, infrastructure readiness, and implementation timelines.
Phased Electrification Targets And Policy Push
The draft policy outlines a time-bound roadmap to electrify high-volume vehicle segments, particularly two- and three-wheelers, which form a significant share of Delhi’s vehicle population. Officials from the Transport Department have indicated that the shift marks a move from incentive-led adoption to stricter regulatory enforcement.
Measures proposed include exemptions on road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles, alongside targeted subsidies that may be reduced gradually to encourage early adoption. The policy also emphasises expansion of public charging stations and battery-swapping infrastructure, as well as stricter norms for commercial fleets and aggregator platforms.
Air Pollution Concerns Driving Policy Shift
Delhi’s persistent air pollution has been a key driver behind the proposed changes, with vehicular emissions recognised as a major contributing factor. Earlier EV policies focused largely on incentives and awareness, but adoption has remained uneven due to high upfront costs and limited infrastructure.
The new draft reflects a more assertive approach by introducing clear deadlines and regulatory measures. It also proposes scrappage incentives for older, polluting vehicles and aims to accelerate electrification across government and commercial fleets. However, questions remain about whether infrastructure and supply chains can scale up in time to meet the proposed targets.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The proposed EV policy signals an important step towards addressing Delhi’s air pollution crisis while aligning with broader sustainability goals. However, such a transition must be both ambitious and inclusive. For many small business owners, gig workers, and middle-class commuters, the cost of switching to electric vehicles remains a challenge.
Ensuring accessible infrastructure, adequate financial support, and transparent implementation will be key to the policy’s success. A balanced approach that prioritises both environmental urgency and social equity can help make this transition more effective and widely accepted. Can stricter EV mandates succeed without placing undue burden on everyday commuters?
Delhi: The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has introduced the draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030, aimed at accelerating EV adoption, reducing vehicular emissions, and improving air quality through incentives, infrastructure development, and regulatory… pic.twitter.com/sB3PbA1oTm
— IANS (@ians_india) April 11, 2026
