Delhi EV Policy – Rekha Gupta Outlines Clean Mobility and Charging Plan
Delhi EV Policy – Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has said the city’s newly introduced Electric Vehicle Policy is designed to support cleaner transport while addressing pollution through a wider mobility strategy. Speaking to IANS, she said the government is preparing to expand charging facilities, promote electric vehicles across transport categories and build systems for handling e-waste generated by the sector.
The Chief Minister said Delhi’s approach goes beyond offering financial incentives for EV buyers. According to her, the policy combines subsidies, infrastructure development, fleet conversion and environmental planning to encourage a gradual shift away from conventional fuel-based vehicles.
Policy links transport reform with pollution control
Gupta described vehicular emissions as one of the major contributors to Delhi’s air pollution and said the government is working on several fronts to improve environmental conditions. These include road maintenance, dust-control measures and a plan to plant 70 lakh trees across the city.
She said the administration is also working to convert public transport fleets to electric vehicles. Delhi currently operates around 4,500 electric buses, she said, adding that more electric buses are planned under the PM E-Drive initiative.
For private vehicle owners, the policy provides incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars and commercial vehicles. Gupta said subsidies, scrapping benefits, registration-fee waivers and road-tax exemptions are intended to make EV ownership more affordable.
Charging network target set at 32,000 points
The Delhi government has set a goal of increasing EV adoption to more than 30 per cent by 2030. Gupta said the success of that target would depend heavily on the availability of reliable charging infrastructure.
Delhi currently has about 9,000 charging points, and the government plans to raise the number to nearly 32,000. Original equipment manufacturers, resident welfare associations, housing societies and commercial establishments are expected to play a role in expanding the network.
Gupta said the government plans to introduce a single-window approval system for charging stations. The proposed platform is intended to reduce delays and make it easier for individuals and institutions to install charging facilities.
Existing petrol and diesel vehicles can continue
Addressing concerns among owners of petrol and diesel vehicles, the Chief Minister said the transition would be gradual. Existing vehicles will continue to operate as long as they remain legally permitted, she said.
Under the proposed phased approach, only electric autos will be newly registered in Delhi from January 1, 2027. Existing autos will not be immediately affected. From April 2028, new registrations of two-wheelers will be limited to electric models, while existing petrol-powered vehicles can continue until the end of their approved operational life.
Gupta said phased implementation was necessary to ensure that the policy remains practical for consumers and businesses.
Separate e-rickshaw policy under preparation
E-rickshaws have not been included in the present policy because of their connection with livelihoods, road safety and traffic management, Gupta said. She noted that many people from economically weaker sections depend on the sector for income.
The government plans to introduce a separate e-rickshaw policy after consultations with stakeholders. The policy is expected to address operational concerns while considering the needs of drivers, commuters and city traffic.
Power and public transport plans
Gupta said Delhi’s electricity network is prepared to support higher EV usage. She pointed to the city’s record power demand and said substations and procurement systems had been strengthened to maintain uninterrupted supply.
The government is also expanding solar power use in public buildings and offering subsidies for rooftop solar installations of up to 3 kilowatts in private homes.
On concerns that stricter EV rules could affect vehicle sales, Gupta said the government would review public and industry feedback and make changes where needed. She added that Metro expansion, additional buses and stronger last-mile connectivity remain central to Delhi’s wider transport plan.