New EV Draft Policy Proposes No New Petrol Two-Wheeler Registrations In Delhi From 2028

No new petrol-powered two-wheelers will be registered in the national capital from 2028 onwards, the Delhi government’s EV (Electric Vehicle) Draft Policy 2026-2030 has proposed as part of the roadmap towards electrification. The proposal could see a major shift in how two-wheelers are sold in the country, with no details specified on the displacement or of the engine. The policy aims to reduce vehicular emissions by accelerating EV adoption.

The proposal states “Two-wheelers constitute approximately 67 per cent of the total vehicle stock in Delhi, making their rapid electrification critical for achieving meaningful reductions in vehicular emissions. Further, three-wheelers, commercial cars, and N1 category goods vehicles exhibit high daily utilisation and mileage, resulting in a disproportionate contribution to urban air pollution. Accordingly, prioritised electrification of these vehicle segments is essential to achieve sustained improvements in air quality in Delhi.”

No New Petrol Two-Wheeler, Three-Wheeler Registrations

The EV Draft Policy proposes phase-out timelines for two-wheelers and three-wheelers, as well as N1 category vehicles used for transportation. The draft has issued a timeline for the phase-out starting with the three-wheelers. The policy states only electric three-wheelers will be allowed to register in Delhi from January 1, 2027. This will be followed by only electric two-wheelers being allowed to register from April 1, 2028, onwards.

The proposal also brings restrictions to vehicles used in commercial operations. It states no new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will be allowed for aggregator-based operations, including two-wheelers and light goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, starting from January 1, 2026. This essentially means vehicles used for bike taxi services will have to switch to electric two-wheelers. Existing BS6 two-wheelers already in use for such operations have until December 31, 2026, to make the switch.

Subsidies, Tax Benefits, and Scrappage Incentives For New EV Purchase

The Delhi government aims to support buyers with subsidies, tax benefits, and scrappage incentives to drive EV adoption. The government has proposed electric two-wheelers priced up to ₹2.25 lakh will receive subsidies linked to battery capacity (as per provisions under PM E-Drive Scheme). The incentives will gradually reduce over three years. The first year (from the date of notification) will see electric two-wheelers receive an incentive of ₹10,000 per kWh, up to a maximum of ₹30,000, which will reduce to ₹6,600 per kWh, up to ₹20,000 in the second year. The third year will offer incentives worth ₹3,300 per kWh, up to ₹10,000.

For electric three-wheelers, the government proposes an incentive of ₹50,000 in Year 1, ₹40,000 in Year 2, and ₹30,000 in Year 3. For electric four-wheelers good vehicles (N1 category), the government proposes incentives worth ₹1 lakh in Year 1, ₹75,000 in Year 2, and ₹50,000 in Year 3.

Furthermore, there will be scrappage incentives for buyers switching from BS4 and older vehicles to EVs. For two-wheelers, the government will provide an incentive of ₹10,000. Three-wheelers owners get an incentive of ₹25,000, while four wheeler owners will get an incentive of ₹1 lakh. The Certificate of Deposit (CoD) will be applicable for six months from the date of issuance, and will be available only in the name of the vehicle owner.

The Draft EV Policy also proposes 100 per cent exemption on road tax and registration fees for eligible electric vehicles (up to ₹30 lakh). It also proposes partial exemptions up to 50 per cent on road tax on strong hybrid vehicles till March 31, 2030. EVs priced above ₹30 lakh will not be eligible for road tax exemption, it clarified.

Focus On Charging Network Expansion

The draft policy also brings a framework to expand the EV charging infrastructure across Delhi. OEMs will be required to install charging points across all dealerships in the national capital territory, comprising a minimum of three charging points for two/three-wheelers and two charging points for four-wheelers.

The government has designated Delhi Transco Limited as the nodal agency responsible for planning, implementation, and grid integration of the charging and battery-swapping network. It also proposes a single-window clearance mechanism to fast-track approvals, and bring a unified platform for infrastructure management. The policy also emphasises on sustainable battery management.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee will oversee implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, battery collection systems, recycling frameworks, and safe disposal mechanisms, under the draft policy. Moreover, a battery traceability system has been proposed to enable reuse and second-life applications for batteries, aiming to create a circular economy.

The draft policy proposes a dedicated EV Fund to finance implementation, which will be supported by state budget allocations, central government schemes including PM E-Drive, environmental charges, and other approved sources.

The EV Draft Policy is now in the public domain for 30 days for stakeholder feedback from citizens and experts before finalisation.