Date: October 25, 2023. — The Delhi government has chosen to extend its electric vehicle (EV) policy until December 31, 2023, or until the second phase of the program is announced, whichever comes first. Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot made the statement on Saturday, following a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal.
The extension will allow the continuation of all the incentives and subsidies offered under the existing policy. The existing policy launched in August 2020 and expired on August 8, 2023. The policy aimed to increase the share of EVs in Delhi to 25% by 2024. This was part of the government’s efforts to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the capital.
Kailash Gahlot stated that they are nearing completion of the EV Policy 2.0 and will announce the new policy soon. He stated that the new strategy will focus on incentivizing vehicle retrofitting with electric engines. He also mentioned a push for commercial EV usage.
According to the minister, the EV program has so far been a success, with over 129,000 EVs registered in Delhi between August 2020 and June 2023. He also stated that Delhi has a comprehensive charging infrastructure. There are over 4,500 charging points and 250 battery switching stations located across the city.
The government has also begun to electrify its public transportation network. Currently, there are 800 electric buses in service. There are plans to replace all retiring CNG buses with electric buses. The legislation has also pushed private actors to invest in EV production and services, resulting in job creation and economic growth.
The extension of the EV policy is likely to speed Delhi’s transition to clean and green mobility while also setting a precedent for other governments and cities to follow.
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