The government of Delhi, India, has approved a new plan to reduce air pollution in the city. The Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0 aims to replace petrol-powered three-wheelers (auto-rickshaws) and two-wheelers (scooters and motorcycles) with electric versions over the next few years.
Under the new rules, all new auto-rickshaws registered from January 1, 2027, must be electric. The same rule will apply to new two-wheelers starting April 1, 2028. This means people will not be able to buy and register new petrol versions of these vehicles after those dates.
However, the policy does not ban petrol vehicles that are already on the road. People who currently own petrol scooters or rickshaws can continue to use them until the end of their normal lifespans, as long as they follow local vehicle rules.
Air pollution is a major problem in Delhi, which is often ranked as one of the most polluted capital cities in the world. Vehicle emissions, especially from petrol-powered rickshaws and two-wheelers, make up about 23% of the pollutants in Delhi's air. Government officials and environmental experts hope this new plan will be a "gamechanger" for the city's air quality.
To help people make the switch, the government is offering financial support. People who buy electric two-wheelers can receive subsidies, and electric vehicles will be exempt from road tax and registration fees. The government also plans to install 30,000 public charging points across the city to make it easier for people to charge their electric vehicles. The goal is for electric vehicles to make up 30% of Delhi's total fleet by 2030.