Delhi needs a realistic timeline for EV policy 2.0

The Delhi government is set to introduce its second-generation electric vehicle (EV) policy, aimed at significantly increasing the share of EVs on Delhi’s roads. This policy was initially planned to be launched on April 15, however, the government has put a pause on its implementation for three months to consider a few revisions before the formal rollout.

Being one of the most polluted cities globally, Delhi continues to struggle with dangerously high levels of local pollution caused majorly through particulate matter emissions, primarily emitted by the transport sector. If left unchecked, the impact can cause severe health concerns for the city dwellers, studies reflect that the public health impact can be as severe as COVID-19. Recognising the urgency of the issue, the government has aptly acted to address the pollution in a targeted manner.

Efforts to curb vehicular emissions began in 1998, and following the Supreme Court’s directive, the Delhi government mandated the conversion of public transport vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG), which is a cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel.

This was meant to be implemented by 2001, but it faced delays due to infrastructure challenges. To further accelerate efforts to reduce local pollution, the government launched its EV policy in 2020 to tackle air pollution. The latest EV policy includes a larger mandate than its 2020 namesake as it builds on the 1998 mandated transition to CNG, as it includes a provision to gradually phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles from Delhi’s roads.

Yet to be made public, the draft policy reportedly aims for 27% of new vehicle registrations in Delhi to be electric by 2027. Based on the success of largely achieving the previous EV adoption target, the government plans to introduce new incentives and subsidies to accelerate meeting the updated target.

The plan also includes phasing out CNG-powered auto-rickshaws, taxis, and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and buses that are more than 10 years old; a ban on new registrations of CNG-driven auto-rickshaws from August, and; a ban on new registrations of petrol, diesel, and CNG two-wheelers from August 2026.

The most critical provision requiring revision in the proposed EV policy is the timeline for phasing out of ICE vehicles (except private-owned cars). The implementation window is too narrow to allow the necessary groundwork to ensure the smooth transition. Since the proposed policy builds upon earlier initiatives, particularly the policy initiatives of 1998, it should also incorporate the lessons learned while phasing out non-CNG buses.

One key challenge in that transition was the lag in infrastructure development, which impeded the speedy adoption of CNG vehicles. The shift to EVs will require even more robust infrastructure, such as charging stations, suitable roadways, and battery swap facilities. To support the swift EV adoption, charging infrastructure needs to be expanded in residential areas, public parking spaces, and commercial hubs. Battery swapping stations should also be strategically mapped based on projected EV growth. This demands strong co-ordination among the power ministry, the PWD, the DDA, and the MCD to ensure effective and timely execution.

Delhi’s extreme heat adds another layer of challenges. Overheating can impair EVs thermal systems, thus threatening safety. The government needs to consider these risks in its EV expansion plan. Without proper preparation, the policy risks appearing overly ambitious and may miss its adoption targets.

A one-year timeline offers little flexibility for ensuring consumer readiness and infrastructure development, and can potentially create chaos for those affected. Data on autorickshaws older than 10 years — many of which are slated for removal from Delhi’s roads — is currently unavailable, but this move will leave little space to accommodate the affected stakeholders interest.

While the policy’s intent to reduce air pollution is clear, however, a carefully designed, comprehensive approach with realistic, phased timelines focused on infrastructure and consumer adaptation is essential for meaningful, just, and sustainable results.

(Pooja Sehbag is Research Consultant, Chintan Research Foundation. Views expressed are personal.)

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH.