The Delhi government has approved a three-month extension of its current electric vehicle (EV) policy, which is set to be succeeded by the Delhi EV Policy 2.0. This extension ensures that the existing policy remains effective until the new policy is officially implemented.

The decision to prolong the current EV policy was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, as reported by PTI. Following the meeting, Transport Minister Pankaj Singh emphasized that there would be no prohibition on auto-rickshaws or any other vehicle categories. He stated, "The government has numerous initiatives planned for its residents, which will be included in the updated EV policy. However, I want to clarify that there will be no ban on auto-rickshaws, nor is there any intention to restrict any vehicle category. The existing EV policy is expected to remain in effect for approximately the next three to four months."

This extension marks the latest in a series of renewals for the Delhi EV Policy, which has been extended several times in the past. Originally launched in August 2020, the policy was a significant initiative by the state government aimed at addressing vehicular pollution and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles to reach a target of 25 percent by 2024. The initial three-year period was set to conclude in August 2024, prompting the government to opt for an extension.

Currently, the Delhi government is developing EV Policy 2.0, which seeks to further encourage the transition to electric vehicles to mitigate pollution. The draft of the new policy aims to encompass various vehicle categories, including two-wheelers, buses, three-wheelers, and goods carriers, with the goal of converting them to electric models. Additionally, the draft outlines a range of incentives to promote EV adoption, such as a subsidy of up to ₹36,000 for women purchasing electric two-wheelers, along with other potential purchase incentives for electric two-wheelers.

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