Delhi NCR EV Mandate 2030: CAQM Proposes 100% Electric Vehicle Sales Roadmap

In a move that could redefine the automotive landscape of Northern India, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has unveiled a draft roadmap aimed at a total transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The proposal, spearheaded by an expert panel led by Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala (IIT Madras), suggests a phased ban on the registration of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, culminating in a 100% EV mandate by April 1, 2030.

Key Deadlines in the CAQM EV Roadmap

The draft policy outlines a strict timeline for different vehicle segments to transition from petrol, diesel, and CNG to electric power:

• January 1, 2026: Mandatory shift for delivery aggregators and e-commerce fleets to transition new inductions to electric or CNG (already in effect for certain categories).

• April 1, 2027: All new taxis registered in Delhi NCR must be 100% electric.

• April 1, 2028: All new buses and light goods vehicles must be electric.

• April 1, 2030: A complete ban on new registrations for all non electric vehicles, including private cars and two wheelers.

The "Right to Charge" & Infrastructure Push

To address the current 75% gap in charging infrastructure, the committee has proposed a legal "Right to Charge" framework. This would mandate residential societies and offices to allow the installation of EV charging points.

Delhi is already on a fast track to install 7,000 new charging points in 2026, aiming for a total of over 16,000 by the end of the year. However, experts suggest the region will need over 36,000 chargers to sustain the 2030 goal.

Industry Resistance: Automakers Call for "Technology Neutrality"

The proposal has met with stiff opposition from major automakers, including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Hyundai. During a high level stakeholder meeting on Friday, industry leaders raised several concerns:

1. Scientific Justification: Industry representatives argued that passenger cars contribute only 3.4% to total transport pollution and demanded a more recent scientific study before such a "disruptive" mandate.

2. Affordability: The panel has urged manufacturers to launch EVs priced below 5 Lakhs, a target the industry currently finds challenging due to high battery costs.

3. Alternative Fuels: Companies are pushing for a "technology neutral" approach that includes CNG, Hybrids, and Flex fuels, rather than an exclusive focus on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).

Why Now? The Public Health Emergency

The CAQM panel justified the aggressive stance by highlighting the severe health impact of Delhi’s air. Data presented by health experts on the committee suggested that during peak pollution months (AQI > 250), newborns in the region breathe air equivalent to smoking 10–15 cigarettes a day.

"This is no longer just about policy; it's a public health imperative. We cannot afford to wait for gradual shifts when the air quality is affecting the development of the next generation," a committee source stated.