Delhi Phases Out Petrol and CNG Two-Wheelers: EV-Only Registrations Begin in 2027

Delhi has announced a phased ban on new registrations of internal combustion engine (ICE) three-wheelers, motorcycles, and scooters, marking one of India’s most aggressive shifts toward electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Under EV Policy 2.0, which took effect on July 1, 2026, all new three-wheelers and N1-category commercial goods vehicles must be electric starting January 1, 2027. The mandate extends to motorcycles and scooters on April 1, 2028, effectively ending new registrations for petrol and compressed natural gas (CNG) two-wheelers in the city.

Policy Shift Follows Subsidy Shortfalls

The Delhi government first introduced financial incentives for EVs in December 2019 under the Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2020, setting a target for 25% of new vehicle registrations to be electric by 2024. However, by June 2026, only 8.65% of two-wheelers and 10.1% of four-wheelers registered in the city were electric, falling short of the goal. The shortfall prompted a strategic pivot toward regulatory mandates, reflecting a broader trend observed in markets like China, Europe, and California, where stricter policies have driven higher EV adoption rates than subsidies alone.

Zachary Shahan, editor of CleanTechnica, noted that Delhi’s earlier reliance on subsidies failed to achieve mass adoption, citing research presented at a 2015 Renewable Cities conference in Vancouver. A professor at the event argued that mandates, rather than financial incentives, were necessary to accelerate EV uptake—a prediction later validated by policies in leading EV markets. Delhi’s new approach aligns with this model, prioritizing regulatory pressure over voluntary adoption.

Sector-Specific Targets and Timelines

EV Policy 2.0 includes a near-term target for school bus fleets, requiring 10% of the city’s school buses to be electric within two years, by July 1, 2028. The policy also permits existing petrol and CNG two-wheelers to remain operational until the end of their lifespan, but no new ICE models will be eligible for registration after the 2028 deadline.

The Economic Times of India described the policy as a bid to “fundamentally reshape Delhi’s transport sector,” framing it as a response to the city’s persistent air pollution crisis. Delhi consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, with vehicle emissions contributing to respiratory illnesses and premature deaths. The government’s decision to phase out new ICE registrations underscores a shift toward public health priorities over market-driven solutions.

Incentives and Infrastructure Challenges

While mandates form the core of EV Policy 2.0, the Delhi government has retained financial incentives to support the transition. Buyers of electric vehicles will continue to receive subsidies, with additional benefits for scrapping old ICE vehicles. However, details of the scrappage scheme, including eligibility criteria and the process for turning in older vehicles, remain unclear. The policy also includes provisions for expanding EV charging infrastructure, though specifics on funding, locations, and timelines for new charging stations have not been disclosed.

The potential impact on low-income vehicle owners, who may face higher upfront costs for EVs, has yet to be addressed. Automakers have not issued official responses to the new mandates, leaving questions about supply chain adjustments and pricing strategies unanswered. The success of the policy will hinge on enforcement, infrastructure development, and the availability of affordable electric alternatives, particularly for commercial operators and budget-conscious consumers.

Delhi’s approach mirrors measures in other high-pollution cities, such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Beijing’s restrictions on ICE vehicle registrations. However, Delhi’s sector-specific bans and aggressive timeline set it apart, offering a potential model for other Indian cities struggling with air quality. The policy’s long-term effectiveness will depend on addressing infrastructure gaps and ensuring equitable access to EV technology.

Delhi Implements Phased Ban on New Petrol and CNG Two-Wheelers, Three-Wheelers in EV Policy Overhaul

Policy Shift Follows Subsidy Shortfalls

Sector-Specific Targets and Timelines

Incentives and Infrastructure Challenges

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