The Delhi government approved a new electric vehicle policy requiring all newly registered auto-rickshaws to be electric by January 2027 [1].

This transition aims to reduce air pollution and fossil fuel dependence in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. By mandating a shift to clean mobility, the city seeks to position itself as a hub for sustainable transport.

Under the new rules, only electric two-wheelers will be eligible for registration starting January 2028 [1]. While the Delhi cabinet has set this date, some industry sources suggest the rule may be pushed to 2029 [3]. The policy also schedules the phase-out of petrol and CNG two-wheelers by April 2028 [1].

To encourage adoption, the government is introducing significant financial incentives. Subsidies under the policy became effective on July 1, 2024 [1]. For electric cars, the proposed subsidy amount is ₹1.5 lakh [3].

"From next month, Delhiites buying electric cars priced up to Rs 30 lakh will not have to pay road tax or registration fees," a Delhi government spokesperson said [2].

This tax waiver applies to electric cars with a price tag up to Rs 30 lakh [2]. The policy combines these immediate financial reliefs with long-term registration bans to force a market shift away from internal combustion engines.

Government officials said the strategy is designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across the city. The move targets the highest-polluting segments of urban transit, specifically the thousands of small commercial vehicles and scooters that clog Delhi's roads, to improve overall air quality.

“Only electric auto-rickshaws to be registered from January 2027.”

Delhi's approach represents a shift from purely incentivizing electric vehicles to implementing mandatory phase-outs. By setting hard deadlines for registration, the government is creating a guaranteed market for EV manufacturers while signaling to consumers that combustion-engine assets will lose utility and resale value. The success of this policy depends on the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure to support the mandated influx of electric autos and scooters.