New Delhi: Delhi govt is set to notify its ambitious Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0 soon, aligning it closely with the Centre’s PM E-Drive scheme to accelerate the capital’s transition to electric mobility. The alignment would expand subsidy provisions, strengthen electric-charging infrastructure, lay down clear timeline for fleet conversion and push for a complete shift to electric buses in the coming years.
The Centre’s scheme has a provision to allocate Rs 4,391 crore for 14,028 e-buses, Rs 2,000 crore for installation of EV charging stations and Rs 780 crore for upgrading testing agencies. Senior officials said Delhi govt has planned an EV corridor, featuring fast-charging stations every 5 km along the 47km Outer Ring Road, to reduce ‘range anxiety’ among drivers.The city currently has just 8,998 EV charging points against a requirement of 36,177. Delhi govt has set a target to increase the total number to 16,070 by the end of this year.Another key focus is on expanding subsidy benefits. Currently, under the PM E-Drive scheme, buyers of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers can avail themselves of upfront purchase subsidies through an Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication at a dealership.The scheme offers an incentive of Rs 5,000 per kWh for two-wheelers, capped at Rs 10,000 per vehicle, depending on the battery capacity. For three-wheelers, including e-rickshaws and e-carts, the subsidy is Rs 5,000 per kWh up to Rs 25,000 per vehicle, while cargo and passenger three-wheelers (L5 category) are eligible for incentives up to Rs 50,000. To qualify, vehicles must be registered and fall within prescribed ex-factory price limits, such as Rs 1.5 lakh for two-wheelers and Rs 5 lakh for L5 three-wheelers.While the PM E-Drive scheme does not directly provide subsidies to state govts or original equipment manufacturers, Delhi govt plans to promote the central scheme through its own portal. Officials said that benefits under this scheme will be linked with state subsidies to ensure maximum financial support to buyers.Currently, Delhi govt provides a subsidy of Rs 5,000 per kWh for electric two-wheelers, capped at Rs 30,000. Electric three-wheelers receive a flat subsidy of Rs 30,000 per vehicle, irrespective of battery capacity or total cost.A key focus of EV Policy 2.0 will be the complete electrification of Delhi’s public bus fleet. Govt aims to have 6,000 electric buses on the roads by March 31, 2026; 7,500 by March 31 next year; 10,400 by March 31, 2028; and 14,000 by next March 31. The policy will also ensure adquate supply of EVs, introduce scrapping incentives for older vehicles and streamline battery disposal mechanisms.
