Delhi Government to Roll Out EV Policy in FY26, as a step against pollution
Amid the rising backlash due to worsening air pollution conditions in Delhi, CM Rekha Gupta has announced a comprehensive framework for an electric vehicle (EV) policy that is expected to go live from the next financial year. As per Gupta, the policy will be an effective tool to modernise transports and curb pollution in the capital.
The government is prioritising financial incentives, expanding the infrastructure for charging EVs, and removing extremely polluting vehicles from the road in order to lower pollution levels and facilitate the adoption of EVs, she said.
The chief minister addressed the problem of air pollution, stating that EV adoption would decrease the pollutant load as car emissions are a significant contribution to PM2.5 and PM10 levels.
As per reports, the upcoming policy will have sufficient subsidies to compensate for the transition cost from ICE vehicles to EVs. Further, she added that to make EV more affordable the government is abolishing registration fees and road tax from EVs.
She also announced the introduction of an incentive scheme under which citizens scrapping old petrol or diesel vehicles will receive additional financial benefits while purchasing a new EV, a move aimed at removing highly polluting vehicles from roads.
Moreover, in an effort to reduce the number of severely polluting automobiles on the road, she also announced the launch of an incentive program that would provide extra incentives to individuals who discard their old gasoline or diesel cars when they buy a new electric vehicle.
According to Gupta, the government has coordinated with automanufacturers to fulfil demand by timely supply of the electric vehicles with affordable prices.
She added that extensive discussions with manufacturers, scrap dealers, and power distribution firms are now taking place, and that the draft policy would be made public to welcome citizens’ input.
In terms of infrastructure, she stated that facilities for battery swapping and the scientific disposal of outdated batteries will be established in addition to public charging stations in significant public areas and close to residential colonies. She also said that car owners will have enough time to switch to electric vehicles.
The chief minister stated that the Delhi government is working hard to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's target of "Net Zero" emissions by 2070, viewing EVs as a necessity rather than a luxury.
A Group of Ministers led by Power and Education Minister Ashish Sood has been established to make sure the policy is strong. According to her, the group is creating a scientific framework to deal with issues like battery recycling and charging infrastructure with the help of specialists from IIT Delhi and other advisors.