Delhi announces new EV policy for ‘clean, modern and green’ transport system by 2030 | Today’s news

The Delhi government’s Electric Vehicle Policy 2026 came into effect on Wednesday, July 1. Aimed at promoting a clean, modern and non-polluting transport system in the capital, the policy will remain in place until March 31, 2030.

According to an official release, the new policy aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Delhi, comprehensively expand charging and battery-swapping infrastructure and develop a robust EV ecosystem. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said it would help improve air quality and reduce dependence on conventional fuels

Within this policy, financial incentives, digital transparency, institutional monitoring and environmental responsibility were given equal importance.

Quick answers to key questions

•5 QUESTIONS

The primary objective of the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2026 is to promote a clean, modern and non-polluting transport system in Delhi by accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and expanding charging infrastructure.

The focus on electrification of two-wheelers and commercial vehicles is due to their significant share of vehicular emissions, which constitute around 67% of the total vehicles in Delhi, which is key to addressing air pollution.

The implementation of the new EV policy will be monitored through a high-powered committee chaired by the Chief Secretary involving representatives of various ministries to ensure effective implementation and inter-ministerial coordination.

Yes, vehicle manufacturers must comply with battery recycling regulations to ensure environmental responsibility as set out in the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy.

The policy offers financial incentives aimed at promoting the purchase of electric vehicles, as well as supporting the creation of a robust EV ecosystem through digital transparency and institutional oversight.

Read also | Delhi’s EV policy: Check proposed incentives for e-cars, two-wheelers and trucks

Countermeasures against Delhi AQI

The new electric vehicle policy highlights the latest Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) report.

In its report, the Commission revealed that vehicular emissions account for around 23 percent of Delhi’s air pollution, especially during the winter season, making it the largest contributor among all sources.

According to the report, two-wheelers account for nearly 67 percent of all vehicles in Delhi; therefore, their rapid electrification is considered essential to combat air pollution.

In addition, tricycles, commercial vehicles and N-1 category trucks cover long daily distances and contribute disproportionately more to urban pollution. The policy therefore places special emphasis on the priority electrification of these vehicle segments.

Read also | Will Delhi ban existing petrol motorbikes, cars? What the new EV policy says

What did Rekha Gupta say about the new policy?

CM Rekha Gupta said the new policy is not limited to promoting EV purchases. Instead, it presents a comprehensive plan to create a long-term framework for clean transport by integrating the charging network, battery exchange, battery recycling, energy management, digital service delivery and environmental protection.

She said that a strong institutional mechanism has been put in place for effective implementation of the policy.

The Transport Department will serve as a nodal department under which a dedicated EV cell will be established. This cell will be responsible for policy related operations, clarification, guidance and coordination. A dedicated Project Management Consultant (PMC) will also be appointed.

She further informed that a Model Approval Commission will be created under the Ministry of Transport to certify EV models eligible for incentives and subsidies. This committee will evaluate and approve various EV models in accordance with prescribed technical standards, eligibility criteria and operational guidelines. Only models approved by the committee will be eligible for government incentives.

Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) has been designated as the nodal agency for expansion of charging and battery swapping infrastructure. DTL will ensure the planning, coordination, setting of technical standards and the operation of digital portals for public charging stations, as well as inter-departmental coordination across the capital. As a result, public and community charging networks will be expanded in phases, and the one-stop shop system will simplify the setup of charging stations.

A High-Powered Committee under the Chairmanship of the Secretary-General will be established to ensure effective implementation and high-level monitoring. This committee will consist of representatives from the Departments of Transport, Power, Planning, Environment and Finance, along with DTL, DISCOM and other departments or agencies as required. The committee will regularly review the implementation of the policy and ensure inter-ministerial coordination.

Gupta also noted that the Delhi Electric Vehicle Apex Committee will function in managing the strategic operations of the EV policy. This peak body will decide on key implementation issues, recommend necessary changes and advise the government on future technologies based on clean fuels such as hydrogen as they become available.

The new electric car policy places considerable emphasis on battery recycling and environmental responsibility. The Ministry of the Environment will ensure that all vehicle manufacturers and related entities comply with the rules for handling battery waste.

Read also | Buying a hybrid car in Delhi? The new policy for electric cars cancels the proposed tax exemption

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will set up battery collection centers under the public-private partnership (PPP) model and notify standard operating procedures (SOPs) for safe collection, storage, transportation and handover of batteries to authorized recyclers.

The Ministry of Education was also assigned key responsibilities under this policy. The department will oversee the gradual electrification of school buses and conduct awareness campaigns in schools on air pollution, environmental protection, energy conservation and clean transportation.

The Chief Minister firmly stated that the new EV policy will prove to be a milestone towards clean air, modern transport, energy conservation and sustainable development.

Through financial incentives, a strong charging network, institutional oversight, digital transparency and environmental responsibility, this policy will play a key role in establishing the capital city as a leading electric mobility model in the country.

According to her, the policy will reduce pollution, promote clean energy and provide citizens with a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system.