Delhi's EV Policy 2.0 has a tall target. Is it achievable?
EV adoption remains slow in the mass-market segments of two- and four-wheelers.
The Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government approved the EV Policy 2.0 on Monday, June 29. With an outlay of Rs 15,000 crore, it will aim to ensure 95 per cent of all new vehicles that are registered are electric by 2027. The policy is scheduled to be implemented on July 1.
As yet, however, registration data show that adoption remains slow in the mass-market segments of two- and four-wheelers. These account for the bulk of vehicle purchases. In comparison, electric three-wheelers have seen much faster growth.
Electric three-wheelers account for 58 per cent of new registrations in 2026, up from 16 per cent in 2021. Electric four-wheelers have increased their share from one to 16 per cent over the same period. Meanwhile, electric two-wheelers account for nine per cent of new registrations, compared with three per cent five years ago.
According to the government, commercial three-wheelers, commercial cars, and N1 category goods vehicles (light goods vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes) have been kept in priority segments for electrification because of their high daily utilisation and mileage. According to policy, these vehicles contribute disproportionately to urban air pollution and prioritising their electrification is essential for sustained improvements in Delhi's air quality.
A combined study by the Air Pollution Action Group, IIT Delhi, and The Energy and Resources Institute estimates that freight traffic is a major contributor to Delhi's transport-related emissions. According to the study, nearly 17,000 trucks enter Delhi every day, accounting for 23 per cent of the transport sector's PM2.5 emissions. At night, when interstate freight movement rises, this share climbs to 61 per cent. It also estimated that freight traffic emits 52 kg of PM2.5, three tonnes of nitrogen oxides and 2.5 tonnes of carbon monoxide every day.
The study also found that diesel-powered and ageing trucks are responsible for a significant share of freight-related emissions. It noted that while heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for a large share of transport pollution, despite being a small share of vehicles that enter Delhi. The report recommends faster adoption of battery-electric trucks and the phased replacement of older polluting vehicles to curb emissions from the freight sector.
The Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government approved the EV Policy 2.0 on Monday, June 29. With an outlay of Rs 15,000 crore, it will aim to ensure 95 per cent of all new vehicles that are registered are electric by 2027. The policy is scheduled to be implemented on July 1.
As yet, however, registration data show that adoption remains slow in the mass-market segments of two- and four-wheelers. These account for the bulk of vehicle purchases. In comparison, electric three-wheelers have seen much faster growth.
Electric three-wheelers account for 58 per cent of new registrations in 2026, up from 16 per cent in 2021. Electric four-wheelers have increased their share from one to 16 per cent over the same period. Meanwhile, electric two-wheelers account for nine per cent of new registrations, compared with three per cent five years ago.
According to the government, commercial three-wheelers, commercial cars, and N1 category goods vehicles (light goods vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes) have been kept in priority segments for electrification because of their high daily utilisation and mileage. According to policy, these vehicles contribute disproportionately to urban air pollution and prioritising their electrification is essential for sustained improvements in Delhi's air quality.
A combined study by the Air Pollution Action Group, IIT Delhi, and The Energy and Resources Institute estimates that freight traffic is a major contributor to Delhi's transport-related emissions. According to the study, nearly 17,000 trucks enter Delhi every day, accounting for 23 per cent of the transport sector's PM2.5 emissions. At night, when interstate freight movement rises, this share climbs to 61 per cent. It also estimated that freight traffic emits 52 kg of PM2.5, three tonnes of nitrogen oxides and 2.5 tonnes of carbon monoxide every day.
The study also found that diesel-powered and ageing trucks are responsible for a significant share of freight-related emissions. It noted that while heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for a large share of transport pollution, despite being a small share of vehicles that enter Delhi. The report recommends faster adoption of battery-electric trucks and the phased replacement of older polluting vehicles to curb emissions from the freight sector.
