Delhi is making significant strides towards a greener transportation future with the unveiling of the EV Policy 2026–2030 for public review. This policy proposes extensive tax breaks and attractive incentives to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) throughout the capital city.
The draft policy, open for public feedback for a month, outlines a comprehensive strategy to position Delhi as a hub for electric mobility. With a proposed budget of Rs 3,954.25 crore, the plan aims to facilitate a smooth transition to electric vehicles.
A key highlight of the proposal is the complete waiver of road tax for all EV owners until March 31, 2030. This exemption will significantly reduce the ownership costs of electric vehicles compared to traditional vehicles. Additionally, electric cars priced below Rs 30 lakh will enjoy full tax exemption, while strong hybrid vehicles will receive a 50% relief. Vehicles priced above Rs 30 lakh will not qualify for any concessions.
The policy also emphasizes reducing vehicular emissions and promoting clean mobility in the city through these incentives. It introduces substantial subsidies for electric two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and cargo EVs that will gradually decrease over three years.
To encourage the phasing out of old vehicles, the policy offers scrapping incentives ranging from Rs 10,000 for scooters to up to Rs 1 lakh for cars (for limited beneficiaries). The incentives are applicable only when a new EV is purchased within a specified timeframe after scrapping the old vehicle.
Infrastructure development is a key focus of the draft policy, with provisions for mandatory EV charging facilities at dealerships, widespread installation of public charging stations, promotion of battery swapping systems, and facilitation of home and workplace charging. Delhi Transco Limited will oversee these initiatives, while battery waste management will be regulated by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee under the Battery Waste Management Rules 2022.
The policy sets clear timelines to accelerate the shift towards electric vehicles, including a mandate for registering only electric three-wheelers from January 1, 2027, and electric two-wheelers from April 1, 2028. It also outlines targets for electric school buses, ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber, and government fleets to transition to EVs.
Before final implementation, the draft policy invites public feedback to refine the framework based on suggestions and objections. Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh highlighted the policy’s duration until March 31, 2030, aiming to establish a cleaner and more sustainable transport system for the capital. The successful realization of these ambitious goals will depend on the feedback received and the alignment of implementation with the envisioned objectives.