Delhi’s Informal Transport Holds The Key To EV Transition
Efforts to electrify auto-rickshaws and other forms of “popular transport” in India are gaining attention as policymakers and experts search for solutions to worsening air pollution in New Delhi.
These three-wheelers, widely used across the capital for short trips and last-mile connectivity, represent a critical yet often overlooked segment of the urban transport system. New Delhi remains one of the world’s most polluted cities, with air quality frequently reaching unhealthy levels. Vehicular emissions are a major contributor to the capital’s pollution burden, alongside seasonal factors such as stubble burning and festival fireworks. Drivers who spend long hours on the road often report health problems linked to exposure to polluted air.
Auto-rickshaws, commonly known as “autos” or “tuk-tuks,” play a central role in the city’s transport ecosystem. They serve as intermediate public transport—privately owned vehicles providing services similar to public transit but operating flexibly on demand. India has roughly 273 million two- and three-wheelers on the road, reflecting their popularity for affordable urban mobility. Experts say electrifying these vehicles could significantly reduce emissions while improving public health. Transitioning auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers to electric power would not only reduce tailpipe pollution but also lower fuel costs for drivers. India’s broader electric mobility push has already resulted in millions of EV registrations and prevented millions of tonnes of carbon emissions between 2020 and 2024.
However, the shift to electric autos has been slower than expected. Drivers cite several barriers, including high upfront costs and limited battery range. While a conventional compressed natural gas (CNG) auto can travel around 250 kilometres in a day, many electric models currently operate for roughly 150 kilometres before requiring a recharge. For drivers who depend on long working hours to earn a living, these limitations create financial uncertainty. Charging infrastructure also remains uneven across cities. Experts note that building reliable charging networks—particularly in underserved neighbourhoods—takes time and requires coordinated investment in electricity capacity and urban planning. Without sufficient infrastructure, many drivers hesitate to adopt electric vehicles despite potential long-term savings.
Policy incentives are intended to accelerate the transition. Delhi’s electric vehicle policy offers exemptions from road tax and registration fees for electric three-wheelers. In addition, authorities have introduced rules allowing only electric autos to receive new permits in the future, signalling a gradual phase-out of conventional models. Urban mobility specialists argue that electrifying popular transport must be integrated with broader public transport systems such as metro networks and buses. When combined with clean electricity sources, electric autos could provide an environmentally sustainable solution for last-mile connectivity in densely populated cities.
As technology improves and charging infrastructure expands, experts believe the electrification of India’s ubiquitous auto-rickshaws could become a key step in tackling the severe air pollution that continues to challenge life in the capital.
