The Delhi government is planning a major push towards electric mobility with its upcoming EV Policy 2.0. If approved, the new policy will stop the registration of new petrol-powered two-wheelers in the national capital from April 1, 2028, encouraging buyers to switch to electric alternatives. The current Delhi EV Policy is set to expire on June 30, and the revised policy is expected to come into effect soon.
Only Electric Two-wheelers For Fresh Registrations
Under the proposed policy, only electric scooters and motorcycles will be eligible for new registrations from April 2028. Existing petrol-powered two-wheelers will not be affected, meaning owners can continue using their vehicles as per the current rules.
The move is part of Delhi's larger plan to reduce vehicular emissions and increase the share of electric vehicles on its roads.
Buyers To Receive EV Purchase Incentives
To encourage more people to adopt electric two-wheelers, the draft policy also proposes financial incentives. Buyers purchasing electric two-wheelers priced up to Rs 2.25 lakh (ex-showroom) could receive incentives of up to Rs 30,000during the first year of the policy. The subsidy amount is expected to reduce gradually in the following years.
Why is Delhi Targeting Two-Wheelers?
Two-wheelers account for nearly 67 % of Delhi's total vehicle population, making them one of the biggest contributors to transport-related emissions. By shifting future registrations to electric models, the government hopes to reduce pollution and accelerate EV adoption in the national capital.
Industry expresses concerns
The proposal has received mixed reactions from the automobile industry. Several manufacturers and industry bodies have argued that petrol-powered motorcycles and scooters continue to be the most affordable form of personal transportation for many Indians.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has also reportedly opposed the proposal, stating that modern BS6 Phase 2-compliant petrol two-wheelers already produce significantly lower emissions. According to the industry body, replacing older and more polluting vehicles would have a greater environmental impact than restricting the sale of new compliant models.
Concerns have also been raised about India's dependence on imported battery cells and critical raw materials used in EV batteries, along with the country's electricity generation mix.
A Big Step Towards Electrification
While the proposal is yet to be officially implemented, it signals Delhi's intent to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles through a combination of regulations and purchase incentives. If the policy is approved in its current form, Delhi will become one of the first Indian cities to phase out registrations of new petrol-powered two-wheelers, marking a significant shift towards an electric future.
