Delhi Government Plans To Expand Charging Infrastructure In The Capital To Accelerate EV Adoption

Delhi’s battle with air pollution is a widely acknowledged issue and the newly elected government of the national capital is trying to turn a new page with an aggressive approach to increase the adoption of electric vehicles.

Recently it has come to light that the Delhi government is marking key points in the proposed EV Policy 2.0 which has been reviewed by the Transport Minister, Pankaj Kumar Singh. It is aiming to achieve as high as 95 percent EV registrations for new vehicles by 2027.

The Delhi government is planning to set up a State EV Fund which is intended to encourage EV adoption in the capital. With this policy the government is also aiming to strengthen Delhi’s position in the electric mobility space while also addressing vehicular tailpipe emissions. The current EV policy in effect was extended by the authorities and it remains in effect until March 31st 2025.

A report published by TOI highlights that Pankaj Kumar Singh reviewed the draft EV Policy 2.0, focusing on replacing all CNG-run commercial vehicles (CVs) with EVs in the capital in a phased manner. This will include the gradual replacement of CNG auto-rickshaws, taxis and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) with EVs. The government is even planning to revamp the public transportation sector with a complete transition to electric buses in the capital.

To facilitate and accelerate the adoption of EVs the government at a policy level will incentivise the purchase of electric 2W, electric 3W, electric LCVs (light commercial vehicles) and electric trucks. To make the transition from ICE vehicles to EVs the government will also offer incentives on scrapping old vehicles and retrofitting EV kits.

The report also outlines that the State EV Fund will finance incentives like subsidies and road tax exemptions. Under this new proposed EV policy the government will issue mandates about the inclusion of EV charging stations in new buildings and public spaces along with the introduction of capital subsidies for private and semi-public charging stations. EV fast-charging corridors are also being planned along major roads, including the Ring Road and Outer Ring Road under the new policy.