The Delhi government has officially notified the Delhi Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, 2026, effective July 1, 2026, aiming to transform the national capital's transport landscape by prioritizing electric mobility. The policy will remain operational until March 31, 2030, and focuses on building a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem rather than just offering purchase subsidies.
Vehicular Pollution a Key Driver
Delhi continues to battle severe air pollution, with vehicular emissions accounting for nearly 23% of the city's air pollution, particularly during winter, making them the single largest source, according to the latest Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) report. The report also highlights that around 67% of vehicles registered in Delhi are two-wheelers, making their electrification crucial for reducing emissions.
Besides two-wheelers, the policy prioritizes the transition of three-wheelers, commercial cars, and N-1 category goods carriers, which travel longer distances and contribute significantly to urban pollution.
Comprehensive Ecosystem Approach
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated, “The policy is not limited to encouraging the purchase of electric vehicles. Instead, it presents a comprehensive long term roadmap for clean mobility by integrating charging infrastructure, battery swapping, battery recycling, energy management, digital service delivery and environmental protection.” She added, “A strong institutional framework has also been put in place to ensure effective implementation.”
The Transport Department will serve as the nodal department, and a dedicated EV Cell will be established under it. The EV Cell will be responsible for policy implementation, issuing clarifications and guidelines, and ensuring inter-departmental coordination. A dedicated Project Management Consultant (PMC) will also be appointed.
Institutional Framework: EV Cell, Model Approval Committee
To ensure effective execution, the Transport Department will function as the nodal agency and set up a dedicated EV Cell to oversee implementation, issue guidelines, and coordinate with different departments. A Project Management Consultant (PMC) will assist in implementing the policy. The government will also establish a Model Approval Committee, which will evaluate electric vehicle models based on technical standards and operational guidelines. Only approved models will be eligible for government incentives and subsidies.
Expanding Charging Infrastructure
The policy assigns Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) the responsibility of expanding Delhi’s public charging and battery swapping network. DTL will develop charging infrastructure, operate a digital portal, coordinate with departments, and introduce a single window system to simplify approvals for charging stations.
Monitoring and Oversight Committees
To ensure regular monitoring, the government will constitute a High Level Committee headed by the Chief Secretary with representatives from key departments, Delhi Transco Limited, DISCOMs, and other agencies. An Electric Vehicle Apex Committee will oversee overall implementation, recommend changes when required, and advise the government on adopting hydrogen and other clean fuel technologies in the future.
Battery Recycling and School Bus Electrification
The policy emphasizes environmental responsibility. The Environment Department will ensure compliance with Battery Waste Management Rules, while the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will develop battery collection centers under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model and frame standard operating procedures for safe battery disposal and recycling. Meanwhile, the Education Department will oversee the phased electrification of school buses and conduct awareness campaigns on clean mobility, air pollution, and energy conservation. The Revenue Department will identify suitable government land for setting up charging and battery swapping stations.
Broader Vision for Sustainable Mobility
Highlighting the broader vision, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “The new Electric Vehicle Policy will prove to be a significant step towards cleaner air, modern transport, energy conservation and sustainable development. Backed by financial incentives, a robust charging network, institutional oversight, digital transparency and environmental responsibility, the policy will play an important role in establishing Delhi as a leading model for electric mobility in the country. It will also pave the way for reducing pollution, promoting the use of clean energy and providing citizens with a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transport system.”
With its focus on cleaner transport, stronger infrastructure, and better institutional support, the Delhi EV Policy 2026 is expected to play a key role in reducing vehicular pollution while accelerating the capital’s transition towards sustainable mobility over the next four years.
