KATHMANDU: The Delhi government has announced plans to roll out a new electric vehicle (EV) policy from the next financial year, aiming to tackle rising air pollution and strengthen the Capital’s transport system, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Saturday.
The policy focuses on speeding up the adoption of EVs by lowering costs and expanding charging infrastructure. Officials said financial incentives will be offered to narrow the price gap between petrol and diesel vehicles and electric vehicles. The existing waiver on road tax and registration fees for EVs will continue.
A key feature of the policy is a vehicle scrappage incentive. Owners who scrap old petrol or diesel vehicles will be eligible for additional benefits when buying an EV.
The government hopes this will help remove highly polluting vehicles from Delhi’s roads.
Charging infrastructure will be expanded across the city, including in residential areas, not just public locations. The policy also includes provisions for battery swapping and scientific disposal of used batteries.
A single-window system is planned to simplify approvals for EV infrastructure. Gupta said vehicle emissions are a major source of PM2.5 and PM10 pollution in Delhi. She added that shifting to electric mobility is essential to improve air quality.
Consultations are currently underway with automakers, power companies, and scrap dealers, and the draft policy will be made public for feedback.
