Key facts
- Delhi government plans to ban new petrol scooters, motorbikes, and autorickshaws by 2028.
- New petrol and gas trucks and buses will be phased out within two years.
- From 2027, only electric trucks and three-wheelers will receive new license plates.
- From 2028, only electric scooters and motorbikes will receive new license plates.
- Over 30,000 public charging points are planned.
- Tax exemptions will be offered for new electric car buyers.
Delhi's government has announced a significant policy shift aimed at combating the city's severe air pollution by phasing out petrol-powered vehicles. Starting in 2027, new license plates will only be issued for electric trucks and three-wheelers, followed by electric scooters and motorbikes in 2028. This initiative is part of a broader effort to electrify at least 30% of the capital's vehicle fleet by 2030.
The policy targets two- and three-wheelers, which constitute a substantial portion of Delhi's vehicle population and are major contributors to air pollution. Environmentalists have hailed the move as a potential 'gamechanger' for improving public health and reducing toxic emissions. The government also plans to establish over 30,000 public charging points to address infrastructure concerns that have previously hindered EV adoption.
In addition to the ban, the policy includes tax exemptions for new electric car buyers to incentivize a voluntary transition. However, some critics argue that the two-year phase-out window for new petrol vehicles is too short and that the policy should also focus more on enhancing green public transportation options to improve last-mile connectivity and reduce traffic congestion.