Delhi EV Policy 2.0: What Does It Mean For You?

The Delhi government’s newly released draft of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0 marks a major development in the city’s transition toward cleaner transportation. The draft, which builds on the success of the earlier EV Policy introduced in 2020, outlines a comprehensive and aggressive roadmap to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles across all major vehicle segments. If approved, the policy will have wide-ranging implications for consumers, directly influencing buying patterns, vehicle ownership rules, and long-term mobility decisions in the Capital.

Also Read: Delhi To Ban Petrol-Powered Motorcycles & Scooters? EV Policy 2.0 Explained

Among the most notable proposals in the policy is a complete ban on the registration of new petrol, diesel, and CNG-powered two-wheelers starting from August 15, 2025. This provision targets a vehicle category that contributes significantly to Delhi’s vehicular pollution. Once the policy comes into effect, only electric two-wheelers will be eligible for registration in the city. For consumers, this represents a fundamental shift in available vehicle options. Buyers accustomed to the wide range of ICE motorcycles and scooters will now have to turn exclusively to electric alternatives. While electric two-wheelers typically carry a higher upfront cost, they offer lower operating expenses, especially in terms of fuel and maintenance. However, factors such as range, charging time, and charging infrastructure will likely become central to purchasing decisions.

Also Read: Delhi Set to Ban New CNG Auto Rickshaws Under Upcoming EV Policy

The policy also seeks to overhaul public transportation and para-transit systems. A key provision is the phasing out of CNG auto-rickshaws, which currently form a significant portion of Delhi’s public transport network. As per the draft, no new permits for CNG auto-rickshaws will be issued or renewed after August 15, 2025. Instead, all future permits will be granted only to electric auto-rickshaws. For existing auto drivers, this will necessitate either a shift to electric vehicles or the eventual retirement of their vehicles. For commuters, this could lead to quieter, cleaner, and potentially more cost-effective travel options. However, the pace of implementation and the affordability of electric auto-rickshaws will be critical to ensuring a smooth transition for thousands of drivers and passengers alike.

Public buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) will also be required to convert to electric variants. While the transition to electric buses has already begun under the previous policy, the new draft strengthens the government’s commitment to building a zero-emission public transport fleet. For daily commuters, this could result in improved travel experiences over time, with less noise and better air quality. However, it remains to be seen how quickly the replacement of diesel buses can be executed and whether electric buses can meet the same levels of service efficiency and reliability.

Also Read: Delhi Government To Soon Relaunch EV Policy: Report

The draft policy further proposes a ban on new registrations of fossil fuel-powered goods carriers from August 15, 2025. All new goods vehicles will need to be electric. This provision is expected to have significant ramifications for the commercial and logistics sectors, which will now have to assess the availability, payload capacity, and operational efficiency of electric alternatives. Consumers may experience indirect impacts, such as changes in delivery times or logistics costs, depending on how smoothly commercial fleets adapt to the transition.

Waste management services are also being targeted. The policy mandates that all garbage collection vehicles leased or owned by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the New Delhi Municipal Council, and the Delhi Jal Board be transitioned to electric vehicles by December 31, 2027. While this aspect of the policy is unlikely to have a direct impact on consumer purchasing behaviour, it contributes to the broader environmental objective of reducing vehicular pollution in densely populated neighbourhoods.

Another notable clause in the draft policy addresses private car ownership. Households owning two or more cars will be permitted to purchase only electric vehicles going forward. This restriction is aimed at curbing the growth of personal ICE vehicles, especially among high-consumption households. For such buyers, this means future upgrades or additions to their car collection will necessarily have to be electric. This could potentially drive demand in the premium EV segment, where options are expanding rapidly but still face consumer scepticism over range and infrastructure.

To support these sweeping changes, the policy proposes the installation of new public and private charging stations across Delhi. While this move is essential for facilitating EV adoption, the real-world effectiveness will depend on how quickly and evenly the charging infrastructure is deployed. Consumers will increasingly factor in charging access when deciding where to live, work, or shop, making it a critical element of the EV ecosystem.

Also Read: Delhi Government To Extend EV Incentives, No Subsidy For 4-Wheelers Though

For residents and potential vehicle buyers in Delhi, the EV Policy 2.0 marks a turning point. The rules governing vehicle purchases, registrations, and ownership are set to undergo significant changes. Consumers considering the purchase of an ICE two-wheeler or commercial vehicle have a narrowing window before new registrations are prohibited. Meanwhile, those planning to switch to electric vehicles will need to weigh factors such as charging convenience, financial incentives, vehicle performance, and long-term maintenance.

The current EV policy, which expired on March 31, has been extended by 15 days to maintain continuity while the draft is under review. Once approved by the Delhi Cabinet, the new policy could see minor revisions but is expected to retain its core focus on aggressive electrification and pollution control.