The National Capital Territory government has introduced the Delhi Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy 2026 to achieve clean mobility by 2030, with objectives including fast-tracking the adoption of EVs, supporting public and private charging networks, enabling EV supply chains, improving air quality and ensuring fiscal efficiency and transparency.
Delhi has long grappled with air pollution recording consistent exposure to poor air every year, and vehicle emissions are among the main contributors. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that Delhi’s annual average fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) is roughly 24 times higher than the WHO’s recommended safe threshold.
To encourage buyers, the policy announced financial incentives on the purchase of EVs and scrapping of old vehicles. The incentives differ between vehicle type, category and battery capacity.
Electric vehicles bought and registered in Delhi under the policy are granted 100% exemption from registration fees and road tax, subject to provisions.
Cars priced up to INR3 million (USD31,398) shall enjoy the exemption till 31 March 2030 and those more than INR3 million are not covered. The first 1,000 trucks registered under this policy have also been granted exemption from no-entry timings in Delhi for 10 years.
The policy encourages the establishment of private and public charging stations, mandating entirely digital operations and single window clearances for battery-swapping operators.
To ensure batteries are manufactured, kept, used and discarded safely, the policy empowers authorities to impose rules. The policy also states the government will promote a “battery traceability-enabled ecosystem, based on unique battery identifiers, to support battery refurbishment, safe second-life use and environmentally sound recycling”.
From 1 January 2027, only new registrations of electric three-wheelers and N1 goods carriers (light commercial vehicles) shall be allowed.
For electric two-wheelers, they are allowed new registrations from 1 April 2028. The policy said the government intended to introduce a similar mandate for four-wheelers in the future, along with a framework for disincentivising vehicles that use inefficient fuels, contributing to pollution.
The policy took effect on 30 June 2026 and ends on 31 March 2030.
