Delhi goes all-electric: Only EV autos to be registered from January 1

The Delhi Cabinet on Monday approved a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy that charts an aggressive roadmap for the Capital's transition to clean mobility. Under the policy, only electric three-wheelers (including auto-rickshaws) and N1 category trucks will be registered from January 1, 2027, while all new two-wheelers will have to be electric from April 1, 2028.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the policy will come into effect from July 1, 2026, after receiving the Lieutenant Governor's approval, and will remain in force till March 31, 2030. The government has earmarked around Rs 7,000 crore for its implementation.

The policy offers 100 per cent exemption on road tax and registration fees for pure electric vehicles but does not provide subsidies for hybrid vehicles. Buyers will also be allowed to claim benefits on more than one EV, with no cap on purchases.

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Transport Commissioner Niharika said the government will provide incentives of up to Rs 30,000 for electric two-wheelers, Rs 50,000 for electric auto-rickshaws, and Rs 1 lakh for N1 electric trucks. Additional incentives will also be available for scrapping old vehicles.

To support the transition, Delhi plans to install 23,000 EV charging points during the policy period and will progressively convert school bus fleets to electric vehicles. The policy places special emphasis on reducing pollution from commercial vehicles, one of the biggest contributors to the city's poor air quality.

Power Minister Ashish Sood said the electricity infrastructure would be strengthened to support rising EV adoption across the city.

Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Singh said the policy was designed keeping the interests of Delhi residents in mind and urged citizens to embrace electric mobility.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa described the policy as a science-backed initiative that would play a significant role in reducing pollution and improving air quality in the national capital.