In a bid to tackle pollution and enhance air quality, Delhi’s government has unveiled a plan to phase out petrol-powered scooters, motorcycles, and autorickshaws. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce vehicular emissions, which are a major contributor to the city’s pollution, particularly during the winter smog. The policy aims for electric vehicles to constitute at least 30% of the vehicle fleet by 2030, marking a significant shift toward electrification in the capital.
The transition will start with the registration of electric three-wheelers and small commercial vehicles in 2027, followed by electric scooters and motorcycles in 2028. This gradual implementation is designed to align with the government’s ambitious target of reducing emissions. Environmental experts have praised the move, noting that switching to electric two- and three-wheelers could notably decrease pollution levels and improve public health outcomes.
To support this transition, the government plans to establish over 30,000 public charging points across the city. Despite the positive outlook, the policy has raised concerns among auto-rickshaw drivers about the feasibility of the switch. They worry about the time required for charging, the cost of new vehicles, maintenance issues, and potential income loss during the transition period.
While the government has proposed incentives, such as tax benefits for electric vehicle purchasers, some critics argue that the timeline for the transition might be too aggressive. They point out the need for more time to adequately prepare drivers, manufacturers, and consumers. Additionally, experts have highlighted the importance of expanding clean public transport options and enhancing last-mile connectivity to complement the shift to electric vehicles.