Delhi has announced one of its most ambitious clean mobility initiatives yet, unveiling a new electric vehicle (EV) policy that seeks to gradually phase out petrol-powered two-wheelers, autorickshaws and several commercial vehicles over the coming years as part of a larger effort to tackle the capital’s worsening air pollution. The policy, approved by the Delhi government, is expected to significantly accelerate the city’s transition towards electric mobility while reducing emissions from one of the country’s largest vehicle populations.
Under the new policy, registrations of new petrol and CNG-powered autorickshaws and small commercial vehicles will be discontinued from 2027, while new petrol-powered scooters and motorcycles will no longer be eligible for registration from 2028. The government aims to ensure that at least 30% of Delhi’s vehicle fleet becomes electric by 2030, positioning the city as a leader in sustainable urban transport.
Officials said the policy is centred on promoting fully electric vehicles rather than hybrid models, arguing that zero-emission vehicles offer the greatest environmental benefits. To encourage adoption, the government has announced several incentives, including exemptions from road tax and registration charges for eligible electric vehicles, along with financial assistance for scrapping older vehicles. The administration has also committed to expanding charging infrastructure by installing more than 30,000 public charging stations across the city over the next few years.
Transport emissions account for a substantial share of Delhi’s air pollution, particularly during winter when smog levels often reach hazardous levels. Government estimates suggest that vehicle emissions contribute nearly a quarter of the city’s air pollution, making road transport one of the largest individual pollution sources. Authorities believe the shift to electric mobility could play a crucial role in improving air quality and reducing health risks associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Experts have largely welcomed the policy, describing it as a significant step towards cleaner transportation. They believe that targeting two- and three-wheelers is especially important because these vehicles account for the majority of traffic on Delhi’s roads and collectively generate substantial emissions. Industry representatives have also said the policy could encourage greater investment in electric vehicle manufacturing, improve consumer choice and serve as a model for other Indian cities seeking to address pollution through cleaner transport solutions.
However, concerns remain over the pace of implementation. Many auto-rickshaw drivers and small commercial vehicle operators fear that the transition timeline is too short and worry about the affordability of electric vehicles. Some have also expressed concerns about battery charging time, maintenance costs, vehicle range and potential income losses while charging their vehicles during working hours.
Environmental campaigners have welcomed the emphasis on cleaner vehicles but cautioned that electrification alone may not be enough to solve Delhi’s pollution crisis. They argue that greater investment in public transport, improved bus services, better last-mile connectivity and reduced dependence on private vehicles are equally essential to achieve lasting improvements in air quality.
The government, meanwhile, has maintained that the policy represents a long-term strategy to transform Delhi’s transport sector and improve public health. Alongside incentives for electric vehicle adoption, the administration plans to strengthen charging infrastructure, encourage battery-swapping facilities and support a gradual shift towards sustainable mobility. If implemented successfully, officials believe the initiative could substantially reduce vehicular emissions while setting a benchmark for other Indian cities confronting severe air pollution.
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