April 8th, 2025
Delhi’s government is set to introduce its most ambitious clean mobility policy yet with the upcoming Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0. The draft policy outlines a bold plan to phase out CNG autorickshaws and other fossil fuel-powered vehicles while promoting electric alternatives to combat air pollution.
No More CNG Autorickshaws by 2025
Starting August 15, 2025, the government will stop registering new CNG autorickshaws in Delhi. Existing permits will not be renewed and will instead be replaced with e-auto permits. Additionally, all CNG autos older than ten years must either be retrofitted with electric batteries or scrapped entirely.
“This move aims to eliminate over 200,000 CNG autos from Delhi’s roads by 2027,” said a senior transport department official.
Timelines for Transitioning to Electric Vehicles
The draft policy sets clear deadlines for replacing fossil fuel vehicles:
- Two-wheelers: No petrol, diesel, or CNG two-wheelers will be registered after August 15, 2026.
- Three-wheeler goods carriers: Registrations for fossil fuel-powered models will end on August 15, 2025.
- Garbage vehicles: Municipal fleets must transition to fully electric by December 2027.
Supporting EV Adoption with Infrastructure and Incentives
To ensure a smooth transition, the policy includes several supportive measures:
- Subsidies: Up to ₹5,500 for e-cycles and ₹30,000 for e-rickshaws.
- Charging Points: New buildings must allocate 20% of parking spaces for EV charging, while existing buildings must provide at least 5%.
- Public Transport: All intra-city buses will switch to electric models, while inter-state buses will use BS-VI compliant engines.
Private car owners with two vehicles will also face restrictions—future purchases must be electric after the policy is enacted.
Addressing Challenges and Next Steps
While the policy aims to reduce Delhi’s air pollution—currently among the worst in India—critics point out gaps in infrastructure readiness. For instance, only 10% of the planned 48,000 charging points are operational today. The final draft may undergo changes before cabinet approval, particularly regarding the two-wheeler mandates.
This comprehensive policy signals Delhi’s commitment to cleaner air and sustainable urban mobility while addressing one of its most pressing challenges—air pollution caused by fossil fuel vehicles.
