Experts welcome Delhi’s new EV policy, seek better charging network

Experts have welcomed the Delhi government’s EV Policy, saying its proposed phase-out of petrol and CNG-powered two- and three-wheelers and incentives for zero-emission vehicles could significantly reduce vehicular pollution in the national capital.

Sharif Qamar, Fellow and Associate Director at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), described it as a forward-looking policy that could serve as a model for other states.  
“The policy gives a good framework which can result in a reduction in vehicular emissions in Delhi in the next few years,” he said, adding that states in the Indo-Gangetic plains, which witness a sharp rise in pollution during winter, could benefit from a similar approach.  

Qamar said the policy was also likely to attract private investment and strengthen the city’s EV ecosystem.
However, he stressed a significant expansion in charging infrastructure for the policy to become a success.  

“The target to install over 30,000 EV charging stations is good, but to cater to the upcoming demand, more charging stations will be required in the national capital,” he said.  
Qamar said commercial and fleet vehicles often occupy charging stations, necessitating additional capacity for private users. 

He also called for greater participation by housing societies, resident welfare associations, and apartment complexes in setting up charging facilities.  
Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director at the Centre for Science and Environment, said the decision to allow only electric three-wheelers and N1 trucks to be registered from next year was a welcome move.  

“Along with subsidies on new purchases, there was an urgent need for a legal mandate to properly implement the new EV policy so that the desired results to reduce vehicular emissions can be achieved,” she said.
According to Roychowdhury, two-wheelers are a major contributor to vehicular emissions in Delhi.