Since the new policy’s draft would be subject to public input, which is anticipated to take time, the Delhi government has reportedly prolonged the present electric vehicle regulation until March 31, 2026, or until a revised version is announced.

According to a PTI report, the decision was made 22 July  at a cabinet meeting at the Delhi secretariat, which was chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Prior to implementing the revised policy, Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasised the necessity of “broader dialogue.”

Why the Policy Extension Was Needed?

According to Sing, the extension will allow the transport department to perform thorough talks with all parties involved, including the general public, business executives, academics, environmental organisations, and both public and private institutions.

He added that the main topics of these talks will include improving EV charging infrastructure, evaluating current subsidies and incentives, putting in place reliable systems for disposing of batteries and e-waste, and precisely defining the responsibilities of the public and private sectors in Delhi’s developing EV ecosystem.

What the New EV Policy Aims to Address?

By setting up battery collection facilities and a network of charging and swappable battery stations, the new strategy also seeks to develop an all-encompassing ecosystem for electric vehicles. Three months were added to the policy’s deadline in April, which was originally set to expire on January 1, 2025.

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the environment minister for Delhi, stated in April that 20,000 new jobs are anticipated to be created by the second phase of the city’s EV policy. These positions are expected to cover a range of responsibilities within the EV ecosystem, from supervising battery recycling procedures to maintaining charging stations.

Sirsa’s remarks are in line with the Delhi government’s overarching objectives to encourage EV use and lessen traffic pollution in the city.

Key Incentives Under the EV Policy

A possible ban on new petrol car registrations in the city is anticipated by the new Delhi EV policy, which is now pending Centre approval. Its main goal is to switch to all electric mobility by banning fossil fuel vehicles. Additionally, it requires public transportation fleets to be electrified and suggests installing 13,200 public charging stations.

The capital also intends to provide a purchase subsidy of up to INR 30,000 for EV two-wheeler purchases under this program. The Delhi government implemented the current EV policy in August 2020 in an effort to curb the city’s escalating air pollution and promote EV usage.

By 2024, the plan aimed to have one EV for every four cars sold in Delhi. According to Vahan data, 1.75 lakh EVs of all vehicle kinds were registered in June, an increase of more than 20% year over year.