Delhi Government will ban new registrations of petrol and diesel bikes in the city by 2026 under its Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0.
In a bold move, the Delhi government is contemplating a ban on new registrations of petrol and diesel bikes in the national capital, beginning in August 2026. Under the new Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0, which has been implemented as a significant campaign, the capital is set to revolutionise its transportation framework and drive momentum towards cleaner alternatives.
Policy Objectives
This Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0 aims at reaching judgment days in sustainable mobility. The aim is to make electric scooters and bikes the sole choice for new buyers of two-wheelers whenever the proposed date arrives. The policy reaffirms Delhi’s commitment to pollution reduction and achieving its clean energy goals.
Gradual Transition
The policy also brings in provisions to promote continued transition to EVs in a phased manner. For example, domestic budgets would have to include at least one electric vehicle as the third car in the garage, with the gradual introduction of mallets across different segments. Through these initiatives, they work on achieving a holistic and equitable EV integration.
Three-Wheeler Shift
Another key aspect of the proposal says that new fossil fuel-powered three-wheelers cannot be registered after August 2023. Current CNG-powered three-wheelers over 10 years old will either need to be retrofitted to run an electric powertrain or replaced with electric versions. This measure aims to align Delhi’s iconic auto rickshaws with the periphery of a big city’s clean mobility vision.
Infrastructure Development
The government is now concentrating on building EV charging infrastructure in support of the large-scale transition. Plans involve also the installation of more public charging spots, while the provisions of charging in new buildings and public spaces will become a requirement. Such steps are designed to try to ease range anxiety and help make EV ownership more convenient.
Ambitious Targets
The intent behind the policy is to attain 95% EV penetration in Delhi by 2027. This aggressive focus makes Delhi a leader in clean mobility initiatives in the country and sets an example for other states to follow. The government hopes to make a big dent in urban pollution emissions by focusing on two-wheelers and three-wheelers, which account for a significant portion of that pollution.
Policy Background
The new EV policy, the 2020 Delhi EV Policy, 2020 is based on experience from the above 1st generation experience and EV policy and is expected to be updated. The policy, initially launched by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, aimed at promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) via incentives and infrastructure development. It lapsed in August 2024, but it has been extended repeatedly — most recently through March 2024.
Public Response
Public and stakeholder responses are mixed. Many people see this proposal as a leap towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable India but there are a number of individuals who believe the financial costs to car owners and whether there is currently the infrastructure to support EVs is enough to consider the proposal potentially counterproductive. The final policy will be based on public consultations and feedback.
Global Comparisons
Delhi’s moves are in the global direction of clean mobility. Cities from London to Paris have already introduced similar policies to phase out fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. With this, Delhi is a future-ready, sustainable city.
Delhi’s proposed ban on new petrol and diesel two-wheelers marks a shift of the order of radical in its transportation policy. The objective is to address pollution and develop a sustainable ecosystem by promoting EV adoption as well as investing in infrastructure. Equipped with ambitious targets and plans, Delhi will lead the country’s transition to clean mobility.
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