CAQM Approves Electric L5 Three-Wheeler Registration in Delhi-NCR from 2027

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has approved draft regulations to register only electric L5 category three-wheelers in Delhi-NCR starting in 2027. This measure aims to reduce air pollution in the region.

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Key Highlights

• CAQM to allow only electric L5 three-wheeler registrations in Delhi from January 2027
• High vehicle density NCR areas to follow in 2028, remaining districts in 2029
• Only vehicles with valid PUCC can refuel in NCR from October 2026
• Punjab and Haryana report sharp increases in stubble burning incidents in 2026
• Amazon India to deploy 1,000 Eicher Pro X electric trucks for operations

Electric L5 Three-Wheelers Registration Timeline

According to the CAQM, Delhi will begin registering only electric three-wheelers in the L5 category from January 1, 2027. High vehicle density areas such as Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida will implement the rule from January 1, 2028. The remaining districts in the National Capital Region (NCR) will follow from January 1, 2029.

The L5 category includes vehicles that transport both passengers and cargo. These vehicles can run on electricity, petrol, or diesel, have a kerb weight below 1,500 kg, and can reach speeds above 25 kmph. The new regulations will phase out non-electric L5 three-wheelers over the next three years in the region.

Additional Measures to Tackle Air Pollution

The CAQM has also called for stricter action against stubble burning and tighter restrictions on polluting vehicles. The commission approved several draft directives to address emissions from industry, transportation, and agriculture.

Air quality experts have identified the vehicle sector as a major contributor to PM2.5 emissions in Delhi-NCR. The CAQM emphasized the need for a faster transition to cleaner mobility options.

From October 1, 2026, only vehicles with a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be allowed to refuel at fuel stations within the NCR. This policy aims to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and PM2.5.

Stubble Burning and Monitoring Efforts

The CAQM expressed concern over the increasing number of wheat stubble-burning incidents. Between April 1 and May 14, 2026, Punjab reported 8,986 stubble burning cases, up from 6,474 during the same period in 2025. Haryana reported 3,290 cases, compared to 1,503 the previous year.

The commission approved a revised action plan to eliminate paddy stubble burning in NCR states during the 2026 harvest season. It also announced the installation of 46 more Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) across Delhi-NCR, raising the total to 157. This expansion aims to improve pollution monitoring and data collection.

Industry and Commercial Vehicle Updates

In related developments, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) reported an 11.74% year-on-year growth in commercial vehicle retail sales, selling 10,60,906 units in the financial year 2026. Amazon India also plans to deploy 1,000 Eicher Pro X electric trucks for its Amazon Now operations, reflecting a broader shift towards electric mobility in the commercial sector.