The Delhi government has launched its ambitious Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, which aims to boost Delhi’s economy, reduce pollution levels and generate employment. 

Delhi CM, Arvind Kejriwal said that it stands as the most progressive in the entire country and the objective is that by 2024, 25% of all new vehicle registrations should be for EVs.

Here are the highlights of the policy:

1. On purchase of a two-wheeler, an e-rickshaw or freight vehicles, the Delhi government will give a benefit of up to Rs 30,000 and for a four-wheeler, a benefit of up to 1.5 lakh.

2. For those who want to purchase electric vehicles for commercial purposes, loans will be given from the Delhi government at very low-interest rates, and registration and road tax fees will be waived.

3. The EV policies are aimed at faster adoption of EVs both in personal and shared mobility segments.

4. The policy aims to constitute 25% electric vehicles by 2024, which is just 0.29% in Delhi.

5. Financial incentives for those who purchase e-vehicles for the next three years

6. AAP government in Delhi has also committed to set up a ‘State Electric Vehicle Board’ with Kejriwal adding that 200 charging stations will be established in one year

What are the experts saying?

“It is commendable that the much-awaited notification has happened despite the ongoing novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis and economic slowdown. In fact, this policy is being seen as a stimulus strategy to boost jobs and economy,” Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director-research and advocacy of Delhi-based think tank, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) told media.

Ather Energy CEO and co-founder Tarun Mehta said, “The Delhi Government has created a policy that addresses the issues of accessibility for the end consumer. The additional subsidy makes EVs more affordable across the board and offering it to higher performance vehicles, will ensure that end consumers will actually purchase and use these vehicles.”

Hero Electric Managing Director Naveen Munjal said the new EV policy will go a long way in boosting Delhi’s economy, creating jobs and reducing air pollution in the national capital.

“We have worked towards bringing down pollution here by 25% but we are not satisfied. The lockdown period revealed clear skies and now that we are moving back towards normalcy, we don’t want that kind of development that contributes to pollution,” said Kejriwal.