Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy Extended Until March 2026 New Framework in Progress
Delhi government has extended its current Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy until March 31, 2026, or until a new comprehensive policy is officially notified, whichever comes earlier. This crucial decision was made during a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, chaired by the Chief Minister at the Delhi Secretariat. The extension aims to facilitate broader public participation and comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders, including citizens, industry leaders, academic experts, environmental groups, and both public and private institutions, to develop a future-ready and inclusive EV framework for the capital, aligning with the “Green Delhi” vision for sustainable urban mobility.
The Delhi EV Policy, initially introduced in 2020, had expired in August 2023 and has since been extended multiple times to avoid a policy vacuum. A government minister stated that the need for a wider dialogue is paramount to craft a robust and stronger EV policy. Discussions during this extended period will focus on enhancing EV charging infrastructure across the city, reviewing existing incentives and subsidies to boost adoption, and establishing robust e-waste and battery disposal mechanisms. Defining clear public-private roles in Delhi’s evolving EV ecosystem is also a key objective, ensuring a collaborative approach to electric mobility.
The new EV policy is designed to align closely with the Delhi government’s broader “Green Delhi” vision, aiming to transform the capital into a model of clean, sustainable urban mobility. Officials anticipate that the revised policy will introduce stronger frameworks to accelerate EV adoption and strengthen charging infrastructure, thereby ensuring environmental accountability. The Delhi cabinet had previously discussed the EV policy on April 15 but deferred approval on certain proposals in the draft, such as phasing out CNG auto-rickshaws and fossil fuel-based two-wheelers in the next two years.
The initial draft proposal for the upcoming EV policy suggested achieving 100% EV uptake in Delhi within the next three years. This included plans to phase out CNG-powered three-wheelers and replace them with electric auto-rickshaws by August 2025. Similarly, the draft also proposed that the registration of petrol, diesel, and CNG two-wheelers would not be permitted after August 15, 2026. The government minister also indicated that the subsidy cap on more affordable EVs is likely to be retained in the revised policy, aiming to encourage manufacturers to provide more budget-friendly electric vehicle options for the public.
This extension signifies the government’s commitment to developing a well-rounded and effective EV policy. The focus on extensive stakeholder consultation is expected to produce a policy that is not only ambitious in its goals for electric vehicle adoption but also practical and sustainable for Delhi’s unique urban environment.
