As Delhi’s transport system heads for a transition into a clean and green mode with emphasis on electric vehicles, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta informed that the new EV policy notified by the government aims not only to reduce the cost of buying EVs but also to bring down their lifetime ownership cost so that more and more people could switch to zero emission vehicles.
Rekha Gupta said that the cost savings are the biggest concern for most people when they consider shifting to EVs. According to her, the Delhi EV Policy 2026 provides a clear, positive answer by combining multiple financial benefits: purchase incentives, incentives for scrapping old polluting vehicles, lifetime exemption from road tax, waiver of registration fees, and lower operating and maintenance costs compared to petrol and diesel vehicles.
With all these factors, electric vehicles are expected to emerge as the most financially sensible choice for households, commercial drivers, and businesses of all sizes, she added.
The Chief Minister said eligible buyers of electric two-wheelers will receive a purchase incentive of up to Rs 30,000, a scrapping incentive of Rs 10,000, lifetime exemption from road tax, and a complete waiver of registration fees. Together, these benefits can result in initial savings of more than Rs 50,000, excluding tax-related benefits. Eligible buyers of electric auto-rickshaws (L-5) will receive a purchase incentive of up to Rs 50,000, a scrapping incentive of Rs 25,000, lifetime road tax exemption, and a full waiver of registration fees, resulting in initial savings of more than Rs 75,000, excluding tax benefits.
Notably, buyers of electric Gramin Sewa vehicles will receive a scrapping incentive of Rs 15,000 for replacing an old vehicle.
Eligible buyers of electric N-1 goods carriers will receive a purchase incentive of up to Rs 1 lakh, a scrapping incentive of Rs 50,000, lifetime exemption from road tax, and a waiver of registration fees.
These benefits can reduce the initial cost by nearly Rs 1.50 lakh, excluding tax-related benefits.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the policy does not provide a purchase incentive for private electric cars.
However, eligible buyers who scrap a conventional fuel-powered car and purchase an electric car will receive a scrapping incentive of up to Rs 1 lakh. They will also benefit from lifetime road tax exemption and a complete waiver of registration fees.
The Chief Minister said that even without a purchase incentive, these provisions offer substantial financial benefits to buyers. The road tax exemption under the policy is not limited to the policy period; it will remain valid for the vehicle’s entire lifetime.
It is noteworthy that more than 300 registered electric vehicle models are currently available in Delhi, ranging from affordable scooters and premium motorcycles to electric auto-rickshaws and commercial goods carriers, the CM said.
Growing competition among manufacturers has improved product quality, expanded consumer choice, and made electric vehicles more accessible for people across different income groups and usage needs.