The Delhi government has approved the new Delhi EV Policy 2026, introducing a series of incentives aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles while gradually reducing the use of petrol-powered vehicles. The policy comes into force from 1 July 2026 and remains valid until 31 March 2030.One of the biggest highlights of the policy is a 100 percent waiver on road tax and registration charges for private buyers ​​​​who buy electric cars priced below Rs 30 lakh, ex-showroom. This effectively reduces the initial cost of owning an EV in the capital. However, buyers planning to buy electric cars priced above Rs 30 lakh will not be eligible for this exemption and will have to pay the applicable taxes and registration fees.Apart from passenger vehicles, the policy also extends financial support in several EV segments. Buyers of electric two-wheelers can get incentives of up to Rs 30,000, while electric three-wheelers qualify for subsidies of up to Rs 50,000. Those who buy electric freight carriers of the N1 category can receive incentives of up to Rs 1 lakh, encouraging companies to switch to cleaner commercial transport.The government has also allocated significant funds for scrappage incentives to encourage owners of older internal combustion engines (ICEs) to switch to EVs. Depending on the vehicle category, the incentives range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Under the policy, buyers scrapping an old petrol or diesel four-wheeler can get Rs 1 lakh, while two-wheelers are eligible for Rs 10,000, three-wheelers for Rs 25,000, and N1 commercial trucks for Rs 50,000.Beyond the financial incentives, the policy lays down a path to restrict the registration of new petrol-powered vehicles in phases. From January 1, 2027, only electric three-wheelers and goods carriers of category N1 will be allowed to be registered again in Delhi. A bigger change follows on April 1, 2028, when registration of new gasoline-powered motorcycles and scooters will stop in the National Capital Territory.It is important to note that the restriction applies only to new vehicle registrations. Existing petrol-powered two-wheelers and other ICE vehicles registered before the cut-off dates can continue to be used as per prevailing regulations.
