In a bold move to promote electric mobility and tackle the growing air pollution in the capital, the Delhi government’s draft Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0 outlines plans to phase out Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered autorickshaws by August 15, 2025. The policy, which is expected to be notified soon, is a significant step towards transforming Delhi’s transportation landscape, aiming to eliminate fossil fuel dependency and reduce emissions from one of the city’s most popular modes of transport.

The CNG autorickshaws, which have long been a common sight on the city’s roads, are set to be replaced by electric vehicles. The draft policy explicitly states that no new CNG autos will be registered after August 15, 2025, and renewal of permits for existing CNG autos will also be prohibited starting on that date. Instead, all renewed or replacement permits will be granted exclusively to electric autorickshaws.

The policy’s ultimate goal is to transition Delhi to cleaner mobility solutions, aligning with the city’s broader effort to curb its alarming pollution levels, which are among the highest in the world. The transition will not be limited to autorickshaws but will extend to other fossil fuel-powered vehicles used in public and civic services.

The phased removal of CNG autos is one of the central aspects of the EV Policy 2.0, which envisions a greener future for Delhi's transport system. Older CNG autorickshaws, particularly those that have been in use for more than 10 years, will be required to either be retrofitted with electric powertrains or replaced with new electric models. This move is seen as a necessary step to meet Delhi's goal of reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality.

Additionally, the policy targets other fossil-fuel vehicles used by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). These government-operated vehicles, which are currently powered by petrol, diesel, and CNG, will also be phased out in favor of electric models by December 31, 2027. The shift is expected to significantly cut down on the pollution caused by garbage collection and other civic services that rely heavily on fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Another important component of the policy is the phase-out of fossil fuel-powered two-wheelers. The draft proposes that from August 15, 2026, no new petrol, diesel, or CNG two-wheelers will be registered in the city. In a more immediate development, three-wheeler goods carriers powered by fossil fuels will be restricted from registration starting August 15, 2025. These proposals are in line with Delhi's aggressive push to transition to electric vehicles across all segments of transport.

In an ambitious move, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS), which operate the city's public buses, will also be required to switch their entire fleet to electric buses. The policy specifies that only BS-VI compliant buses will be allowed for inter-state routes, and no new fossil fuel-based buses will be procured for intra-city operations under the new plan.

Private vehicle owners may also face some restrictions under the draft policy. One of the more controversial recommendations is that those who already own two vehicles would only be allowed to purchase an electric car going forward. This aspect of the policy is still under review and may undergo adjustments before the policy is finalized.

As Delhi prepares to implement these sweeping changes, the final draft is still under review, and officials anticipate some modifications to the proposals, particularly regarding two-wheelers. The current EV policy, which expired on March 31, 2025, has been extended by 15 days to allow for the finalisation of the new version.

Officials have stated that the policy is part of a broader effort to reduce Delhi’s air pollution levels, which remain dangerously high due to the widespread use of fossil fuel-powered vehicles. The Delhi government is determined to meet the city’s sustainability goals, including reducing pollution and shifting to a cleaner, greener transport system.

The implementation of EV Policy 2.0 is expected to revolutionize Delhi’s transportation sector, ensuring a cleaner future for the city while making significant strides toward electric mobility adoption. However, the transition won’t come without its challenges. Stakeholders, particularly auto rickshaw drivers and vehicle owners, will need to adapt to the new policy framework, with support systems likely to be put in place for retrofit schemes, financial assistance, and incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles.

In conclusion, the EV Policy 2.0 represents a bold step towards making Delhi a leading example of electric mobility. If implemented effectively, it could not only help clean the air but also position Delhi as a model for other cities grappling with similar pollution and traffic challenges. The city’s commitment to electric vehicle adoption, along with its push to phase out CNG and fossil fuel-run vehicles, will play a crucial role in determining whether this ambitious plan can be successfully realized.

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