The Delhi government is gearing up to revolutionize urban transportation with the Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0, a draft policy designed to accelerate EV adoption, phase out fossil fuel-driven vehicles, and create a cleaner, greener city. This ambitious plan is expected to significantly reduce air pollution while fostering economic growth through job creation and infrastructure development.

Key highlights of Delhi's EV policy 2.0

Public outreach and awareness

The policy emphasizes the importance of public awareness about EV benefits and the key elements of the policy. A robust public outreach program will be launched to educate citizens on the advantages of transitioning to clean mobility solutions.

Phasing out fossil fuel vehicles

Delhi’s EV Policy 2.0 outlines a clear timeline for phasing out fossil-fuel-driven vehicles:

• Two-wheelers running on petrol, diesel, or CNG will no longer be allowed after August 15, 2026.
• Three-wheelers for goods carriers powered by diesel, petrol, or CNG will not be registered starting August 15, 2025.
• CNG auto-rickshaw registrations will cease from August 15, 2025, and existing permits will not be renewed beyond this date. All permits will transition to electric auto permits.
• Additionally, the policy recommends phasing out fossil fuel-driven vehicles carrying solid waste deployed by civic bodies and city buses.

Infrastructure development

To support the transition to electric vehicles, Delhi plans to establish a comprehensive infrastructure network:

• Expansion of charging stations and battery-swapping stations across the city.
• Creation of battery collection centers to enhance recycling efforts and minimize environmental impact.

Economic impact: Job creation and workforce development

The policy is expected to generate up to 20,000 jobs in the EV sector during its implementation period. To ensure a skilled workforce, specialized training programs will be launched in collaboration with academic institutions.

Administrative measures and funding

To ensure effective implementation, the Delhi government will:

• Strengthen the existing State EV Fund, drawing resources from the Air Ambience Fund and levies on non-electric vehicles.
• Constitute a dedicated Delhi Clean Mobility Center for policy administration and monitoring progress.

Complementing national initiatives

EV Policy 2.0 is designed to align with the Centre’s PM E-DRIVE scheme, further accelerating electric vehicle adoption across Delhi.

Timeline for implementation

The draft policy is currently under consideration by the Delhi Cabinet and is expected to be approved soon. Once notified, it aims to achieve

• A complete ban on new registrations of fossil fuel-driven two-wheelers and three-wheelers within the next few years.
• A significant reduction in air pollution levels through aggressive replacement of fossil fuel-run vehicles with electric alternatives.
• Delhi’s EV Policy 2.0 represents a bold step toward transforming urban mobility while addressing critical environmental challenges like air pollution. With its focus on infrastructure development, job creation, and phasing out fossil fuels, this policy has the potential to make Delhi a model city for sustainable transportation in India.

Stay tuned for updates as the policy receives final approval and begins its implementation journey!