The Delhi government has approved the new Delhi EV Policy 2026, introducing a series of incentives aimed at accelerating electric vehicle adoption while gradually reducing the use of petrol-powered vehicles. The policy comes into effect from July 1, 2026, and will remain valid until March 31, 2030.One of the biggest highlights of the policy is a 100 per cent waiver on road tax and registration charges for private buyers purchasing electric cars priced below Rs 30 lakh, ex-showroom. This effectively lowers the upfront cost of owning an EV in the capital. However, buyers planning to purchase electric cars priced above Rs 30 lakh will not be eligible for this exemption and will have to pay the applicable taxes and registration charges.Apart from passenger vehicles, the policy also extends financial support across multiple EV segments. Buyers of electric two-wheelers can avail incentives of up to Rs 30,000, while electric three-wheelers qualify for subsidies of up to Rs 50,000. Those purchasing N1-category electric goods carriers can receive incentives of up to Rs 1 lakh, encouraging businesses to switch to cleaner commercial transport.The government has also allocated significant funds for scrappage incentives to encourage owners of older internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to shift to EVs. Depending on the vehicle category, incentives range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Under the policy, buyers scrapping an old petrol or diesel four-wheeler can receive Rs 1 lakh, while two-wheelers are eligible for Rs 10,000, three-wheelers for Rs 25,000, and N1 commercial trucks for Rs 50,000.Beyond financial incentives, the policy lays down a roadmap for restricting the registration of new petrol-powered vehicles in phases. From January 1, 2027, only electric three-wheelers and N1-category goods carriers will be allowed to be newly registered in Delhi. A bigger shift follows on April 1, 2028, when the registration of new petrol-powered motorcycles and scooters will be stopped in the National Capital Territory.It is important to note that the restriction applies only to new vehicle registrations. Existing petrol-powered two-wheelers and other ICE vehicles registered before the cut-off dates can continue to be used as per prevailing regulations.
