Delhi EV Policy 2026 notified, offering road tax exemption and phased EV-only registrations

The Delhi government on Wednesday notified the Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026 to speed up EV adoption. The policy links electric mobility with cleaner air and a stronger support system. It was cleared by the Delhi Cabinet led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The plan will run till March 31, 2030.

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The Delhi Cabinet approved the EV policy on Monday under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. It was then sent to LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu for final approval. The notification states: "... in exercise of the powers conferred by the enabling provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the rules made thereunder, the Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi hereby notifies the Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy, 2026 with effect from July 1, 2026, the notification states.\"

Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026: road tax relief and phased registration changes

Under the Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026, electric cars costing Rs 30 lakh or less get full relief. The exemption covers road tax and registration fees in the national capital. The policy also sets future limits on fossil fuel vehicles. Only electric auto rickshaws will be registered from January 1, 2027.

Rules for two-wheelers will change in stages under the Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026. Registration of new petrol and CNG two-wheelers will be reduced over time. From April 1, 2028, only electric two-wheelers will be registered. The aim is to shift daily travel away from petrol and CNG use.

Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026: subsidies, eligibility, and payment timeline

The Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026 sets a three-year subsidy schedule for e-two-wheelers. Buyers get Rs 30,000 in the first year. The support drops to Rs 20,000 in the second year. It falls to Rs 10,000 in the third year, as per the policy.

Subsidies must be paid within 60 days of applying for the incentive. The policy covers two-wheelers priced up to Rs 2.25 lakh. Incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers autos, and four-wheeled goods vehicles apply in Delhi. Payments go through direct benefit transfers to eligible Delhi residents.

Direct benefit transfers can go to individual buyers and also to proprietary firms. Agencies and companies can receive support if they are residents of Delhi. A Model Approval Committee under the Transport department will list eligible EV models. This panel will control which vehicle segments can claim incentives.

Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026: charging network, battery swapping, and single-window clearances

The Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026 plans a major public charging build-out. The state government will invest around Rs 15,000 crore over four years. More than 30,000 EV charging points will be installed across the national capital. The policy also supports easier access to charging and battery swapping.

The policy offers a single-window clearance system for quicker approvals. This is meant to speed up charging and battery-swapping projects. Resident welfare associations and housing societies are encouraged to install chargers. Officials said these steps should reduce delays and improve access in local areas.

Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026: battery recycling rules and environmental checks

Battery recycling and environmental duties are key parts of the Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026. The environment department will ensure makers and other entities follow the Battery Waste Management Rules. The Chief Minister said oversight will focus on compliance. The plan ties electric mobility to responsible battery handling.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee will set up battery collection centres through the Public-Private Partnership PPP model. It will also issue standard operating procedures for safe handling. These steps cover collection, storage, transport, and transfer of used batteries. Batteries must go to authorised recyclers, the Chief Minister added.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the policy targets cleaner air and better transport systems. The policy also includes a provision to bring hydrogen fuel-based vehicles within four years. Gupta said in a statement: \"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, Gupta said in a statement.\"

With the Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2026 notified, the government has set clear dates and benefits. It offers tax relief for eligible electric cars and phased limits on petrol options. The policy also sets subsidy timelines, charging expansion plans, and battery recycling steps. It will remain in force till March 31, 2030.

With inputs from PTI