Delhi EV Policy 2.0: Only Electric Vehicles Allowed After 15 August 2026

The Delhi government has just released the draft of its New Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, marking a significant step towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation in the Capital.

With a strong focus on the transition to cleaner mobility, EV Policy 2.0 is drafted to accelerate the shift towards electric mobility across all major vehicle segments, such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, public buses, goods carriers, and civil garbage collection vehicles.

This EV Policy outlines a phased-out transition as one of its key aspects, aiming to reduce pollution from older, outdated vehicles, encourage quicker EV adoption, as well as facilitate a smoother transition to sustainable transportation.

Building on the success of the previous policy, this new draft lays the foundation for a more structured and focused move towards electric mobility.

Let’s take a closer look at the Delhi EV Policy 2.0 draft framework.

#Two Wheelers

The EV Policy 2.0 suggests a bold and significant shift in the two-wheeler segment, which is among one of the largest contributors to vehicle emissions in the state.

The draft policy mandates a complete ban on new registrations, restricting the sale and registration of fuel-powered two-wheelers.

This ban would apply to all categories of fossil fuel-powered two-wheelers, allowing only electric vehicles to be registered thereafter.

According to the draft EV policy, the registration of new petrol, diesel and CNG-powered two-wheelers will not be allowed starting from 15th August this year.

Existing two-wheelers are anticipated to operate until the end of their valid lifespan; however, upcoming policies could result in early phase-outs as well.

#Three Wheelers

The EV Policy 2.0 represents a significant step towards the electrification of public transportation in the State.

The draft policy outlines a plan to gradually phase out CNG-driven auto-rickshaws as well.

According to the draft, permits for CNG Autos will no longer be issued or renewed starting from 15th August this year.

Instead, all these permits shall be replaced or reissued only as e-auto permits, allowing the conversion of these vehicles as well as paving the way for a much cleaner public transport system.

With more than 1,00,000 vehicles registered, Delhi has one of the largest auto rickshaw fleets in the country. Although many of these run on CNG, transitioning this extensive fleet to electric vehicles could significantly lower air pollution and operational costs.

# Transport Buses

The EV Policy 2.0 represents a significant step towards the electrification of public transportation in the State.

The draft outlines the conversion of existing transport buses to cleaner alternatives.

The EV Policy 2.0 proposes that public transport buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and DIMTS be transitioned to electric buses.

Under this policy, the DTC and DIMTS shall procure only electric buses for intra-city operations, whereas BS VI-compliant buses shall be used for inter-state operations.

#Goods Carrier

The New EV Policy 2.0 takes into account the environmental impact of delivery and logistics services.

Thus, it outlines a plan to transition the capital’s commercial transport segment to cleaner energy sources.

The draft policy mandates a complete ban on the registration of new petrol, diesel and CNG-powered goods carriers starting from 15th August this year.

#Garbage Collection Vehicles

The New EV Policy 2.0 also takes into account the environmental impact of waste management services.

Thus, it also outlines a detailed plan to transition the capital’s waste management system to sustainable energy.

The draft policy mandates the gradual phasing out of all fossil fuel-powered garbage collection vehicles leased or owned by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Jal Board.

The main objective is to achieve a 100 per cent electric fleet for waste collection and disposal by December 31, 2027.

#Private Cars

The EV Policy 2.0 also takes into account the environmental impact of personal transportation.

Thus, the draft policy mandates that private car owners with two or more vehicles will be allowed to purchase only electric vehicles going forward, aiming to reduce emissions from the segment and improve the air quality index.

#Charging Points

The EV Policy 2.0 also takes into account the role of robust infrastructure in supporting electric mobility.

Thus, the draft policy proposes the installation of new EV charging stations across the state, further supporting the transition.

#EV Policy Currently Under Evaluation

The Delhi government has extended the ongoing EV policy by an additional 15 days following expiration on 31st March, to ensure continuity while the new policy is being finalized.

Meanwhile, the newly released draft of the EV Policy 2.0 is under consideration and currently awaiting approval from the State cabinet. It may also be revised further before being officially implemented by the State.

Once implemented, the policy will facilitate a smoother transition to sustainable transportation in the Capital.

#Final Thoughts

Major cities in the country have recently faced a decline in air quality and experienced a worsening air quality index, making traffic congestion and increasing pollution from outdated vehicles a significant health concern.

In response to this, several states have started taking action to tackle the worsening air quality index.

Delhi has emerged as the first state to impose a complete ban on 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel vehicles, taking a significant step in the country’s efforts towards cleaner and sustainable transportation.

The EV Policy 2.0 is another initiative by the government to promote the development of the electric mobility segment in the State. The Delhi State Government has been actively promoting the adoption of EVs and alternate fuel-based mobility options to deal with the rising pollution as well as to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels.

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