Draft still in the works, govt. extends existing EV policy

Transport Minister Pankaj Singh on Tuesday announced the government has decided to extend the existing Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy up to March 31, 2026, as stakeholders are yet to hold consultations on the draft of the new policy.

On April 15, the Cabinet discussed the draft policy and deferred approval of key proposals, such as phasing out CNG auto-rickshaws and fossil fuel-based two-wheelers within two years. The new policy aims for 100% adoption of electric vehicles in the Capital over the next three years.

“The current Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy has been extended until March 31, 2026, or until a new policy replaces it before that,” Mr. Singh said after the Cabinet meeting.

The Minister said, during the extended period, there will be discussion on the key provisions of the policy, which include strengthening of the EV charging infrastructure, developing robust systems for safe e-waste and battery disposal, reviewing subsidies and waivers to boost EV adoption, and clearly defining the role of the public and private sectors in advancing the electric mobility ecosystem.

The previous Aam Aadmi Party government first introduced the EV policy in 2020, which lapsed in August 2023, and it has been extended since then.