Delhi Government Calls for a Stakeholder Meet to Discuss the Next Phase of EV Policy
In an effort to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the capital city, the Delhi government introduced the first phase of its EV policy in August 2020. This initial phase provided an attractive incentive for the first 1,000 electric car registrations. As the expiration date for this policy approaches in August 2023, the Delhi government is proactively working on the second phase of the policy. To gather valuable insights and opinions from stakeholders, the Delhi EV Cell of the Transport Department has organized a stakeholder meeting scheduled for May 24.
Exploring the Details of Delhi Government's EV Policy
The primary objective of the Delhi government’s EV policy is to encourage a higher rate of EV adoption within the city. The policy includes a subsidy scheme that offers an incentive of Rs 10,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery capacity, with a maximum limit of Rs 1.5 lakh. This incentive was applicable to the first 1,000 electric cars registered in Delhi since the policy’s implementation in August 2020.
Additionally, the policy later incorporated supplementary benefits such as exemption on road tax and registration fees. The government aims to achieve 25 percent of all new vehicle registrations to be battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by the year 2024.
Impacts of the EV Policy in Delhi
The implementation of the EV policy has resulted in a notable surge in electric vehicle sales within the national capital. Towards the end of 2021, multiple reports indicated that monthly registrations of electric vehicles had surpassed those of compressed natural gas (CNG) cars in Delhi. In fact, electric vehicles accounted for 7 percent of the total vehicular sales from July to September 2021.
Recent Rise in Electric Car Offerings
Over the past few years, several car manufacturers have introduced electric vehicles in the Indian market. These vehicles span across various price segments, ranging from affordable options to luxurious high-end models. Notable entries include the MG Comet EV, Citroen eC3, and Tata Tiago EV, which fall on the more affordable side of the spectrum. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has started local assembly of its flagship electric sedan, the EQS 580.
These recent launches are merely the beginning, as carmakers such as Maruti, Kia, and Mahindra have already disclosed their ambitious EV plans extending up to the year 2030.
With the first phase of the Delhi government’s EV policy approaching its expiration, the authorities are actively working on the next phase to further promote and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. The stakeholder meeting scheduled for May 24 is expected to generate valuable insights and suggestions that will shape the future of EV policies in Delhi. As electric vehicle sales continue to surge and more car manufacturers introduce EV options in the Indian market, the capital city is poised to become a frontrunner in the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.
Recent Posts
Popular Cars
