Driving past the ICE age

Faced with an air quality crisis that culminated in being ranked as the world’s most polluted capital city by the IQAir 2025 World Air Quality Report, the Government of Delhi recently released the draft Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2026-2030.
 

The draft policy builds a framework of financial incentives, tax benefits and regulatory mandates to accelerate the transition to green mobility.
 

As per the Delhi EV Policy Draft 2026-2030, vehicular emissions contribute ~23% of the city’s winter pollution and two-wheelers account for nearly 67% of Delhi’s total registered vehicle stock, their electrification is central to any meaningful reduction in transport emissions.
 

The draft policy proposes a ban on the registration of new internal combustion engine (ICE) three wheelers and two wheelers from January 1, 2027, and April 1, 2028, respectively, requiring these vehicles to be electric. New Delhi Transport Corporation buses and Transport Department fleets will also need to be electric, and school buses are targeted to achieve 30% electrification by 2030.
 

The draft is open for public feedback for 30 days, with submissions due by May 10, after which it will be finalised and formally notified.
 

Delhi accounts for ~2.7% of all-India retail two-wheeler sales, 1.9% three-wheeler and 1.8% in the bus segment in the ICE fuel type. It accounts for ~3% of the all-India retail electric vehicle (EV) sales for two wheelers, 3.4% for three wheelers and 37% for buses, showcasing the push electric mobility received in the capital under the 2020 EV policy, which was valid till 2026.