Delhi Government Extends EV Policy for Three More Months

Key Highlights:

• The Delhi government has extended the current EV policy for three more months.
• Chief Minister Rekha Gupta approved the extension.
• The original EV policy was launched in August 2020.
• EV Policy 2.0 proposes subsidies up to ₹36,000 for women riders and ₹10,000 per kilowatt-hour (up to ₹30,000) for EV purchases.
• The new draft also aims to create 20,000 jobs and build more battery collection, charging, and swapping stations across Delhi.

In a new development, the Delhi government has decided to extend the existing electric vehicle (EV) policy for three more months. This move provides a short-term relief to the public as the much-anticipated Delhi EV Policy 2.0 remains under discussion. The announcement came after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta approved the extension, ensuring the old policy stays in place until the new draft is officially implemented.

Clarification on Auto Rickshaws

Transport Minister Pankaj Singh addressed concerns about restrictions, confirming that no ban would be imposed on auto rickshaws or any other vehicle category at this point. This clarification was made to ease public worries circulating since the announcement of the new policy draft.

About Delhi’s EV Policy

Delhi’s EV policy was initially introduced in August 2020. It was one of the state’s major steps towards reducing vehicle-related pollution and increasing the use of electric vehicles. The original policy aimed to have 25% of new vehicle registrations in the city be electric by 2024. Although the three-year term ended in August 2023, the government has continued the policy through periodic extensions.

New EV Policy 2.0

EV Policy 2.0 aims to widen its focus by covering more vehicle categories, including electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, and goods carriers. The new policy draft highlights several benefits designed to increase EV usage across Delhi.

Key proposals from the draft include:

• A subsidy of up to ₹36,000 for women on the purchase of electric two-wheelers.
• A purchase benefit of ₹10,000 per kilowatt-hour, with a limit of ₹30,000 per vehicle.
• There is a plan to create around 20,000 new jobs in the EV ecosystem.
• Setting up more battery collection centers.
• Expanding the network of charging and battery swapping stations.

Implementation Still Pending

The EV Policy 2.0 will officially come into effect only after receiving Cabinet approval. Until then, the existing policy remains in force, offering continuity for vehicle owners, manufacturers, and dealers.

Also Read: NHEV to Set Up 3G EV Charging Station for Trucks and Buses in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

CMV360 Says

This temporary extension brings some relief to both vehicle users and the industry. It allows more time for adjustments before the new rules come into play. The proposed incentives under the new draft show a push towards wider EV use, which could reshape Delhi’s transportation scene soon.