The Delhi government has launched an ambitious policy to make most new vehicles electric by 2027 as part of efforts to control air pollution. Under this policy, electric vehicle buyers will be exempt from registration fees, and incentives of up to one lakh rupees will be offered to those who phase out old petrol vehicles. While experts agree this policy could help reduce pollution, they cite challenges such as inadequate charging infrastructure and consumer skepticism. 13 Shrawan, New Delhi (RASAS/AP): India’s capital, Delhi, is implementing a policy to ensure that all newly registered vehicles are electric by 2027 to combat rising pollution levels. However, experts and users say the lack of necessary charging infrastructure, reliable electricity supply, and consumer confidence remain key challenges.
Effective from July 1, the policy aims for nearly all new vehicle registrations to be electric by 2027. Existing petrol and diesel vehicles are not being banned immediately, but their use will be gradually reduced. Since about 70 percent of vehicles in Delhi are two- and three-wheelers, the policy prioritizes these categories. Starting in 2027, all new three-wheelers and small goods vehicles must be electric, with two-wheelers included thereafter. Under the plan, buyers of electric vehicles will receive exemptions on registration and certain road taxes, while those scrapping old petrol vehicles will be eligible for cash incentives.
The local government estimates the program will cost approximately 150 billion Indian rupees. Electric vehicle purchasers may receive incentives up to 50,000 rupees, and individuals removing old petrol vehicles could get as much as 100,000 rupees. Currently, only five percent of the roughly 8.7 million registered vehicles in Delhi are electric. However, last year saw over 100,000 new electric vehicles registered, mostly two- and three-wheelers. Registration for petrol cars and heavy trucks will continue for the time being. Jaydeep Saraswat of the Vasudha Foundation, which works in clean energy, described Delhi’s policy as one of India’s most ambitious electric vehicle initiatives.
According to Saraswat, the fixed timeline sends an unambiguous message to manufacturers and consumers that the transition to electric vehicles is inevitable. While states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu also promote electric vehicles, Delhi is the first state to set clear targets for phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles. Delhi is considered among the most polluted cities globally. Pollution spikes, particularly in winter, often force school closures, halt construction, and trigger public health crises.
Studies indicate that roughly one-quarter of the capital region’s pollution comes from vehicles, with two- and three-wheelers responsible for around half of this. Energy analyst Ruchita Shah from the Global Energy Research Institute Amber noted that the expansion of electric vehicles will significantly reduce pollution. In fiscal year 2026, 12.7 percent of new vehicle sales in Delhi were electric, compared to the national average of 8.3 percent. She emphasized that the most crucial aspect of the new policy is to stop new registrations of internal combustion engine vehicles after a fixed deadline.
Sunil Dahiya, founder of the environmental research organization Envirocatalyst, stated that electric vehicles can substantially reduce the risk of roadside pollution exposure for the general public. However, he noted that petrol, diesel, and CNG vehicles will remain on the roads for many years, so the full benefits of the policy will take time to materialize. Consumers remain concerned about charging facilities, battery capacity, and vehicle durability. Siddhant Jha, a 22-year-old software engineer from North Delhi, expressed doubts about electric two-wheelers’ lifespan, cost, and the impact of flooding during monsoons on the equipment. Siddhant said he plans to purchase an electric vehicle only after more advanced models become available.
Shyam Singh, who rides an electric scooter and uses Delhi’s charging stations, highlighted the difficulty of choosing electric vehicles for long-distance travel. According to him, the current charging stations and battery range do not meet expectations. Energy analyst Ruchita Shah stated that the policy’s success depends on expanding adequate charging infrastructure, improving the electricity distribution system, and ensuring supply from renewable energy sources. She added that without fast-charging facilities especially for buses, goods vehicles, and cars, meeting the targets will be challenging.
