Fighting against persistent air pollution, Delhi’s new EV policy will phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2026, pushing for cleaner mobility through electric two-wheelers and autos.
Delhi is set to accelerate its shift to electric vehicles (EVs) under a new policy starting August 15, 2026. The draft EV Policy 2.0, currently awaiting approval from the Delhi Cabinet, aims to phase out fossil fuel-powered two-wheelers from the capital’s roads, including petrol, diesel, and CNG models.
According to a report by the Financial Express, the policy is part of a broader effort to tackle Delhi’s chronic air pollution, and it represents a significant move towards cleaner, greener mobility.
In addition to banning non-electric two-wheelers, the policy introduces a requirement for residents who already own two registered vehicles to purchase an EV if they wish to buy a third. This new rule will take effect as soon as the policy is formally announced.
The new policy also outlines changes for CNG auto rickshaws. From August 15, 2025, no new CNG autos will be registered, and existing autos will not be allowed to renew their permits. Only electric autos will be permitted after this date.
Older CNG autos, those over 10 years old, will either be decommissioned or retrofitted with electric kits. Similarly, fossil fuel-powered three-wheeler goods carriers will also be phased out starting in August 2025.
Industry experts have raised concerns about the challenges in implementing the policy. Many vehicles operating in Delhi are registered in the nearby NCR cities, such as Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, outside Delhi’s legal jurisdiction. Experts suggest that a coordinated regional approach will be necessary to reduce emissions within Delhi effectively.
Regarding EV adoption, Delhi has made progress but still lags in some sectors. While EV penetration in three-wheelers reached 33%, adoption rates in two-wheelers and cars were 6% and 49%, respectively. The policy aims to boost these numbers in the coming years.
