Delhi EV Policy Wants To Throw Out Every Petrol, Diesel Car By 2027
The Delhi government has shed light on the specifics of the much anticipated Delhi EV Policy 2.0. The proposed policy has an ambitious goal: to spike the city's EV adoption to over 95%. It expects to achieve this percentile adoption in new car registrations by 2027. It wants Delhi to become India's leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption by implementing a complete overhaul of the transport system.
Delhi EV Policy 2.0 Wants More EVs On The Road
The new policy proposes to have all the CNG auto-rickshaws, taxis and light commercial vehicles replaced with all-electric alternatives (EVs) in a phased manner. The public transport system will also undergo a major overhaul- with the induction of new all-electric buses.
The new policy will also provide purchase incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, e-light commercial vehicles (e-LCVs) and e-trucks. As has been the case so far, sizeable incentives could successfully create consumer demand for electric vehicles and accelerate adoption. A dedicated State EV fund will be set up to finance these incentives. This will be sourced through green levies, pollution cess and aggregator licence fees.
The electric trucks segment is still a 'work in progress' in the country, even when we have several e-light commercial vehicles (e-LCVs) on sale, that are nearly perfected. The new EV policy could thus give electric truck development and adoption significant boosts. Stricter regulatory measures could also come into play to ensure compliance of commercial vehicles with the new norms.
Support For Scrapping And Retrofitting
A complete transition to electric vehicles will have to be backed by effective vehicle scrapping and retrofitting initiatives. Internal Combustion Engined (ICE) vehicles will have to be scrapped or retrofitted with electric powertrains. The new policy proposes to support both these initiatives.
High Focus On Infrastructure Development
The new EV policy also puts a strong focus on the development and expansion of charging infrastructure. The government will install more public charging points and make it mandatory to have charging stations set up in new buildings and public spaces.
Private and semi-public charging stations will qualify for capital subsidies and fast-charging corridors will be set up along major roads in Delhi- including the Ring Road and Outer Ring Road.
More Jobs And Skill Development Opportunities Incoming !
Delhi's new EV policy will also create skill development opportunities and jobs. More employment will be generated in fields like EV sales, servicing, financing and battery management. The Delhi Skill & Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) will actively participate in training programs for EV mechanics and drivers.
Furthermore, a new supervising body called Delhi Clean Mobility Centre (DCMC) will be set up to oversee the policy execution and to monitor the progress it makes.
Delhi EV Policy 2.0 Will Replace Its Predecessor
The previous electric vehicle (EV) policy was implemented by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2020. It was also aimed at promoting EV adoption in the capital region. It was, in fact, one of the most comprehensive EV policies to be implemented in any Indian city.
It expired on August 8,202. The government, however, decided otherwise and extended it multiple times. The new framework is known to replace the aforementioned policy and provide a long-term strategy for accelerating EV adoption in India's capital city.
Bottomline
Delhi's aggressive push for EV adoption and decision to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles is, in fact, a bold move. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for other cities as well. If implemented effectively, this initiative has the potential to significantly reduce air pollution make Delhi a better place to live in