Only EV two-wheelers allowed in Delhi after Aug ’26: EV policy 2.0 draft explained
The newly-elected Delhi Government is preparing to ramp up the state’s efforts to curb pollution levels. According to the draft version of the capital’s much-anticipated Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, the registration of new petrol, diesel, and CNG-powered two-wheelers will be completely banned from August 15, 2026. If approved, this would mark a significant milestone in the capital’s efforts to curb vehicular emissions and push for widespread EV adoption.
Delhi EV Policy 2.0: What’s on the cards
The policy, which is still awaiting cabinet approval, lays out a roadmap to gradually phase out fossil-fuel-powered vehicles across multiple categories. One of the immediate moves proposed is to stop issuing new registrations for CNG-run autorickshaws starting August 15, 2025. Additionally, permits for existing CNG autos will no longer be renewed after this date. Instead, these will be replaced or converted into electric autorickshaws.
The draft also proposes a mandatory transition for older CNG autos. Those over ten years old will either need to be retrofitted to run on batteries or replaced with electric alternatives during the policy period. A similar shift is expected for commercial three-wheelers used for goods transport, which will no longer be allowed to register with petrol, diesel, or CNG engines starting August 15, 2025.
Public service and municipal vehicles are also under the policy’s scanner. All garbage trucks and solid waste carriers operated or leased by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, and Delhi Jal Board must transition to electric by December 31, 2027. The policy also aims for a complete shift to electric buses for city use by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS). For inter-state routes, BS-VI compliant buses will continue to be allowed.
Private vehicle owners will also face new rules. Under the proposed policy, anyone who already owns two vehicles will be eligible to buy a new car only if it is electric. This recommendation is expected to come into effect once the EV Policy 2.0 is formally notified.
The current EV policy, which expired on March 31, has been extended by 15 days as the new draft nears finalisation. Officials noted that some clauses, especially the two-wheeler ban, might still be revised before cabinet approval. (Inputs from PTI).
