The Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2020 heralds a significant stride towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for the bustling metropolis of Delhi, India. In response to the pressing need for reduced emissions and a greener urban environment, this visionary policy has been crafted with the aim of transforming Delhi into the Electric Vehicle (EV) capital of India. Rooted in the conviction that EV adoption is a pivotal step in curbing pollution and fostering economic growth, this Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy sets forth a comprehensive framework.
It encompasses a wide array of incentives, ambitious targets, and robust infrastructure development, all underpinned by the goal of not only revolutionizing transportation but also generating employment opportunities. This landmark policy seeks to address the current challenges associated with EV adoption while striving to make Delhi’s air cleaner, streets quieter, and future brighter
Vision and Goals: The policy has several key goals, including establishing Delhi as the EV capital of India, accelerating EV adoption across various vehicle segments, targeting 25% of all new vehicle registrations to be Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) by 2024, improving Delhi’s environment by reducing emissions from the transport sector, and creating jobs in the EV ecosystem.
Policy Overview: This policy is valid for a three-year period and provides fiscal incentives in addition to the FAME India Phase-II scheme. It is implemented through various verticals, including financial incentives, tax waivers, charging infrastructure development, administration, skill centers, recycling ecosystem, and a State EV Fund.
Driving Electric Vehicle Adoption: The Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy focuses on incentivizing various types of electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, public/shared transport, goods carriers, auto rickshaws, e-rickshaws, e-carts, buses, and four-wheelers.
Electric Two-Wheelers: Incentives are provided based on battery capacity, with a maximum incentive of Rs. 30,000 per vehicle. Eligibility criteria include minimum speed, acceleration, energy consumption, and warranty. Purchase incentives and scrapping incentives for old internal combustion engine (ICE) two-wheelers are also offered. Ride-hailing service providers are allowed to operate electric two-wheeler taxis, and delivery service providers are encouraged to convert 50% of their fleet to electric.
Electric Auto Rickshaws (E-Autos): Incentives are offered for purchasing new electric autos and replacing existing compressed natural gas (CNG) autos. Purchase incentives and interest subvention on loans are provided, along with scrapping incentives for old ICE auto rickshaws. An open permit system for e-autos is introduced with limits.
E-Rickshaws and E-Carts: Incentives are available for purchasing e-rickshaws and e-carts, including purchase incentives and interest subvention on loans for advanced battery models.
Buses: The policy commits to including at least 50% pure electric buses in the public transport fleet and aims to introduce 1000 pure electric buses by 2020.
Goods Carriers (L5N and N1 Vehicles): Incentives are provided for electrifying light commercial goods carriers, including purchase incentives, interest subvention on loans, and exemptions from certain restrictions. Scrapping incentives are offered for old ICE goods carriers.
Incentives for Electric Four-Wheelers: Purchase incentives for electric four-wheelers are based on battery capacity. The policy offers a purchase incentive of up to Rs. 1,50,000 per vehicle for the first 1000 e-cars registered in Delhi after the policy issuance. This incentive is applicable to electric four-wheelers with advanced batteries listed under FAME India Phase II, including swappable models.
Transition of GNCTD Fleet to Electric: The policy mandates the transition of the entire leased/hired car fleet of GNCTD to electric within twelve months from the policy issuance.
Provisions Applicable Across Vehicle Segments: Road tax and registration fees are waived for all Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) during the policy period.
Payment of Purchase Incentives: Purchase and scrapping incentives for all electric vehicles will be directly given to registered owners by the Transport Department, GNCTD. If the battery is not sold with the vehicle, 50% of the Purchase Incentive goes to the vehicle owner, and the rest is provided to Energy Operators for defraying the cost of swappable batteries.
Charging Infrastructure: The Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy encourages the development of private charging points at homes and workplaces. It mandates changes in building bye-laws to make new home and workplace parking areas “EV ready.” Grants are provided for installing charging equipment in residential and non-residential buildings. Public charging infrastructure within 3 km travel from anywhere in Delhi is mandated.
Capital subsidy for the cost of charger installation is offered to selected Energy Operators. Favorable electricity tariffs are provided for public and captive charging facilities. Operators are encouraged to use low-cost and renewable power sources for charging stations. Open access and power banking for operators with renewable energy facilities are promoted.
Funding: Funding is primarily sourced through a ‘feebate’ concept, with surcharge on inefficient, polluting vehicles and rebate for efficient ones. Sources of funding include pollution cess, additional road tax, congestion fee, and Environment Compensation Charge (ECC). The State EV Fund is established to aggregate funding from various sources.
Creating Jobs: The Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy focuses on job creation in the EV ecosystem, including e-auto and e-cab drivers, charging station operators, and EV service mechanics. Vocational training programs are designed in partnership with auto OEMs and Energy Operators. Re-training courses are offered for ICE mechanics to work on EVs. Recruitment fairs are conducted for private sector hiring. A Centre of Excellence for research and development in electric mobility is established.
Policy Implementation: The Transport Department, GNCTD, is the nodal department for policy implementation. A dedicated EV cell within the Transport Department oversees day-to-day implementation. An intensive public outreach and communication campaign is launched, and a State Electric Vehicle Board is formed for policy oversight and implementation. Regular reviews and adaptations of policy measures are undertaken to achieve improved air quality in Delhi.
In conclusion, the Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy, 2020, stands as a beacon of innovation and environmental responsibility in the heart of India’s capital. With its far-reaching vision and concrete goals, it charts a course towards a future where clean, electric mobility becomes the norm rather than the exception. By offering substantial incentives, bolstering charging infrastructure, and creating job opportunities, this policy not only promotes the adoption of electric vehicles but also contributes to improving the quality of life for Delhi’s residents.
As we move forward, it is our collective responsibility to support and implement the measures outlined in this policy, fostering a sustainable, pollution-free Delhi that we can proudly pass on to future generations. Through the Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy, we embark on a journey towards cleaner air, quieter streets, and a brighter, more sustainable urban landscape for all. The complete Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy, 2020 is available on website of Ministry of Power, Govt of India.