Synopsis: Delhi EV Policy 2026 that came into effect from 1st July 2026 includes subsidy on electric vehicle (EV) purchase, scrappage incentive up to ₹1 lakh, no road tax and new registration rules. This article discusses key highlights, new registration rules, and a lot more.
The Delhi government has launched a new policy to promote the adoption of EVs, the Delhi EV Policy 2026, which features a series of new incentives and regulations. The policy’s objectives include making EVs more affordable, boosting EV adoption, and contributing to the healthier, more sustainable mobility in Delhi, through a variety of scrappage benefits, tax exemptions, new registration rules and more charging infrastructure.
Delhi EV Policy 2026: Key Highlights
- Increased EV adoption: Delhi government will invest ₹15,000 crore for four years to encourage the electric mobility ecosystem and improve the city’s charging infrastructure.
- Scrappage incentive of ₹1 lakh: If you are a car owner who is looking to buy an electric car, you can avail a scrappage incentive of up to ₹1 lakh when you are planning to buy a new electric car while you are getting your BS-IV petrol/diesel car scrapped.
- Purchase subsidy: for electric two-wheelers (E2W) is up to ₹30,000 for first year, followed by ₹20,000 for Year 2 and ₹10,000 subsidy for Year 3, while for electric three-wheelers (E3W), the subsidy for first year is up to ₹50,000 followed by ₹40,000 in the second year and ₹30,000 in the third year. Electric goods carriers of N1 can get up to ₹1 lakh incentives.
- Road tax and registration fees exempted: Electric cars worth ₹30 lakh or more are exempt from the road tax and registration fees, making them more affordable to buy.
- 30,000 charging points: The policy proposes public EV charging points to be installed throughout Delhi, and increasing battery-swapping stations.
- 2030 EV target: The policy sets a 30% target of EV fleet in Delhi by the end of 2030 with full automation and digitisation of the incentive and approval process.
Vehicle-wise incentives under the Delhi EV Policy 2026
New registration rules and phase-out of ICE vehicles
- Only electric auto-rickshaws from 2027: Delhi will see the registration of only new electric L5 auto-rickshaws from January 1, 2027 in place of new CNG and petrol auto-rickshaws.
- Petrol/CNG two-wheelers to be phased out: Only Electric two-wheelers will be eligible for new registration only after April 1, 2028.
- Mandatory scrappage for incentives: Buyers are required to get a Certificate of Deposit (CoD) before buying a new EV within the specified time period, while they must scrap an old vehicle which qualifies for scrappage benefit.
- Focus on commercial electrification: The policy puts emphasis on the phasing-in of commercial vehicles such as auto-rickshaws and light goods vehicles to electric mobility mode with a policy framework.
- Existing vehicles unaffected: The new rules for registration apply only to new registrations. Older petrol, diesel and CNG cars can be used as per current rules.
Charging infrastructure & ecosystem development
- One of the targets of the policy is to create one of the biggest charging infrastructure networks in urban India by installing 30,000 public EV charging points over the next four years.
- Battery-swapping network: In addition to charging stations, the government will promote the development of battery-swapping stations, such as for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers and commercial fleets, to minimize charging downtime.
- Home and workplace charging: The policy encourages the installation of charging stations in residential areas, commercial premises, offices, thus facilitating EV charging for users on a regular basis.
- Support for public transport: The installation of charging stations will also be increased for electric buses, e-autos and commercial vehicles, thereby promoting speedy electrification of the city’s public transport and shared vehicles.
- Integrated EV ecosystem: The policy involves a ₹15,000 crore investment for providing charging infrastructure, battery recycling, digital services and EV related businesses for creating an integrated electric mobility ecosystem.
Delhi EV Policy 2026: Benefits to consumers
- Lower initial investment: Buying incentives up to ₹1 lakh in vehicle segments and scrappage incentive to replace older cars can save significantly on the initial investment.
- Reduced cost of ownership: EV buyers who buy an EV under ₹30 lakh will not have to pay any registration fees or road tax as a result of which the cost of ownership reduces.
- Improved charging opportunities: There are plans to increase public charging points to 30,000 and the number of battery-swap stations is also growing, which should make it easier for EV owners to charge their vehicles throughout the city.
- Cleaner urban mobility: This policy aspires 30% EV penetration by 2030, to lower vehicular pollution, enhance air quality and promote the use of sustainable transportation in Delhi.
Conclusion
Delhi EV Policy 2026 is a groundbreaking policy with a mix of financial incentives, tax exemptions, and stringent registration norms, along with significant investment in infrastructure, to usher in a cleaner, greener era of transportation in Delhi.
