Electric Cars Worth Crores Gather Dust in Delhi Civic Body’s Basement

Amid ambitious government efforts to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) faces renewed criticism for leaving its 75-car electric fleet, procured in 2018, idle for over two and a half years, according to a report by ET Auto. This situation starkly exposes the yawning gap between policy vision and operational delivery. 

The Issue: Idle and Neglected EV Fleet

• Public funds at risk: While the precise sum wasted is undisclosed, estimates point to an investment amounting to several crores, covering not only the vehicles but also charging stations and maintenance infrastructure. According to the ET report, MCD now plans to use rental-based EV services instead, meaning much of this upfront expenditure from the taxpayers' money may be written off.
• Fleet condition: The ET report also confirms these EVs remain parked in the MCD basement, caked with dust and showing visible signs of neglect and decay, with many now non-functional due to technical issues.
• Servicing challenge: Even though battery warranties might technically be valid, the neglected condition of the cars likely prevents OEMs from accepting them for warranty service or repair. Without maintenance records or clear manufacturer statements, it’s impossible to know if claims were sought or denied.

Latest Developments in Delhi EV Policy 2.0

• Policy extension and pending overhaul: The Delhi government has extended the existing EV Policy several times; most recently, the deadline was moved to November 2025, as finalisation of EV Policy 2.0 is still pending. The current policy, launched in 2020, continues to operate in the interim. You can read about it here.
• Bolder targets in the new draft: The new draft aims for 80 per cent of new vehicle registrations to be electric by 2026, with a major push across two-wheelers, three-wheelers, commercial vehicles, and municipal fleets. Ban on new petrol, diesel, and CNG two-wheelers is proposed for August 2026, and no new CNG auto-rickshaws will be registered after August 2025. However, there is no official word on this. 
• Municipal fleet transition: The policy specifically mandates all MCD, NDMC, and related government vehicles, including leased garbage trucks and departmental cars, to achieve a 100% electric fleet by December 31, 2027. 
• Enhanced incentives and infra: Subsidies for women (up to ₹36,000 for e-scooters), purchase incentives for two- and three-wheelers, expanded citywide charging and swapping infrastructure, and employment generation (20,000+ jobs) are major features.

Also Read: Existing Delhi EV Policy Extended, Govt Confirms No Ban For Two-Wheelers & Autorickshaws

The BluSmart case

Other fleets, including those in the BluSmart case (with Tata and Mahindra EVs lying unused), face similar challenges; however, unlike some of the abandoned municipal fleets, these vehicles can still be rescued and put to use, with the need for proactive asset recovery and reallocation efforts. 

Also Read: Homegrown Evera Cabs Acquires 500 Repossessed BluSmart EVs