Delhi’s Electric Vehicles Policy 2.0, which was recently announced by Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, has set a clear and ambitious goal for the city’s future: to transition to a fully electric fleet by 2030. The policy marks a crucial step in the fight against air pollution and aims to reduce the city’s carbon footprint significantly.
As part of the new policy, Delhi is targeting commercial vehicles to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Gahlot revealed that there are specific targets for EV induction, and the city currently has around 10% of electric vehicles among its total vehicle population. The policy acknowledges the importance of commercial vehicles in curbing pollution, as they often contribute a substantial share of emissions in urban areas.
Electric vehicle adoption is growing rapidly in India and around the world, driven by factors like environmental concerns, government incentives, and advances in EV technology. Delhi’s Electric Vehicles Policy 2.0 builds upon the success of its predecessor, which expired in August 2022. The previous policy had been instrumental in encouraging individuals to switch to electric vehicles, and the new policy aims to continue this momentum.
One of the significant features of the policy is its focus on incentivizing the retrofitting of vehicles. Retrofitting refers to the process of converting conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles into EV. However, retrofitting can be relatively expensive, and the policy recognizes this challenge. To make the transition more accessible, Gahlot’s team is exploring ways to provide financial incentives to those who wish to retrofit their vehicles. This approach not only promotes the use of EVs but also reduces the environmental impact of existing ICE vehicles.
Last-mile connectivity is another key aspect of the EV Policy 2.0. Improving the accessibility of electric transportation for commuters is essential for achieving widespread adoption. Delhi’s government has already taken a significant step in this direction by floating a tender for deploying 3,000 e-scooters and e-cycles to strengthen last-mile connectivity. The first phase will see 1,500 electric vehicles stationed at metro stations, making it convenient for people to complete the last leg of their journey using clean and sustainable transportation options. This project is starting as a pilot initiative in Dwarka.
In the second phase, the government plans to introduce an additional 750 vehicles, expanding the network to provide coverage across more parts of the city. The third and final phase will complete the deployment of the remaining 750 vehicles. By enhancing last-mile connectivity with electric vehicles, Delhi aims to make sustainable transportation more accessible and appealing to a broader population.
Minister Gahlot has underlined that EV Policy 2.0 is the ultimate plan for the city’s transition to electric vehicles. He stated that a cabinet note is currently being prepared and should be finalized shortly. In the meantime, the existing policy, which offers subsidies for electric vehicles, will be extended for six months or until the new policy is officially notified. This extension ensures that residents continue to receive incentives to choose electric vehicles while the new framework is being established.
Delhi’s EV Policy 2.0 represents a significant step in the city’s journey towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation. By targeting commercial vehicles, encouraging retrofitting, and improving last-mile connectivity, the policy aims to create a thriving ecosystem for electric vehicles in the capital city, eventually leading to a fully electric fleet by 2030.
