The Delhi government is anticipated to soon unveil the Delhi EV Policy 2.0, which will supersede the current electric vehicle policy. This new policy is designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the national capital and includes various proposed measures. A significant aspect of the policy is the planned phase-out of CNG-powered auto-rickshaws, which play a crucial role in the city's public transportation system.

According to a report by the news agency PTI, a government official indicated that this initiative is part of the new EV policy. The official mentioned that, as outlined in the draft of EV Policy 2.0, no new registrations for CNG auto-rickshaws will be permitted starting August 15 of this year. Additionally, permits for existing CNG auto-rickshaws will not be renewed after this date, and all such permits will be replaced or reissued exclusively for electric auto-rickshaws. The draft also suggests phasing out fossil fuel-powered vehicles used for solid waste management, which are extensively utilized by municipal authorities as well as city buses.

The draft of the Delhi EV Policy 2.0 stipulates that all CNG auto-rickshaws older than ten years must be either replaced or retrofitted to operate on batteries during the policy's implementation period. Furthermore, it specifies that from August 15, 2026, two-wheelers powered by fossil fuels will be prohibited. Similarly, the policy advises that no registrations for diesel, petrol, or CNG-powered three-wheelers used for goods transportation will be allowed after August 15, 2025.

Additionally, the draft mandates that all garbage collection vehicles owned or leased by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the New Delhi Municipal Council, and the Delhi Jal Board must transition to electric vehicles in a phased approach, achieving a fully electric fleet by December 31, 2027.

It is also advised that the public transport buses managed by the DRC and DIMTS be transitioned to electric models. Initially, the DTC and DIMTS will acquire only electric buses for intra-city services and BS6-compliant vehicles for inter-state operations as part of the new policy.

The draft policy may be subject to modifications during the cabinet approval process, especially concerning the recommendations for two-wheelers, according to the report. The Delhi government has extended its existing electric vehicle policy by an additional 15 days following its expiration on March 31 of this year. The new policy will be announced after receiving approval from the Delhi Cabinet.

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