OLA Founder-CEO Says Delhi EV Policy Accelerates Shift Away From ICE Vehicles
Bhavish Aggarwal says Delhi EV policy ends ICE era.
The Delhi Government has unveiled its ambitious draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030, which includes a phased ban on new registrations of internal combustion engine two-wheelers from April 1, 2028, and ICE three-wheelers from January 1, 2027. The policy aims to accelerate the shift to cleaner mobility in the national capital, offering incentives such as purchase subsidies, scrappage benefits up to ₹1 lakh, and tax exemptions on EVs priced up to ₹30 lakh. It signals a strong push towards reducing pollution and fossil fuel dependence in one of India’s most congested and polluted cities.
Ola Electric founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal welcomed the development, stating that the policy clearly signals the end of the #ICEAge. Aggarwal, a long-time advocate for transitioning away from petrol and diesel vehicles, has repeatedly used the hashtag #EndICEAge in his campaigns to promote electric two-wheelers as a pathway to energy independence and lower running costs for Indian consumers. The Delhi move aligns with his vision that rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions make the case for EVs even stronger.
The policy comes at a time when Ola Electric is navigating a challenging phase, with earlier dips in sales and market share, followed by recent recovery efforts through aggressive price cuts, in-house LFP battery cell production, and improved service focus. Aggarwal has positioned these steps alongside government initiatives to revive momentum in the EV sector, arguing that such policies will help India reduce its massive oil import bill and build a domestic manufacturing ecosystem. EV stocks, including those linked to the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments, reacted positively to the announcement with notable gains.
Also Read: Dianna Russini Resigns From The Athletic, Drawing Reaction From Dave Portnoy
Under the draft policy, the Delhi government plans to support charging infrastructure expansion, incentivise fleet electrification, and encourage local manufacturing. Critics from industry bodies like SIAM have called for more “enablers” rather than outright bans, emphasising the need for adequate charging networks and affordable EV options to ensure a smooth transition. Proponents, however, view the timeline as a decisive step to combat Delhi’s notorious air pollution, which frequently ranks among the world’s worst.
The development is expected to boost confidence among EV manufacturers and consumers in the Delhi-NCR region, potentially setting a precedent for other states. For Ola Electric, which has faced quality and service-related challenges in the past, the policy could provide a tailwind as the company ramps up production of more affordable models and indigenous battery technology. Aggarwal has framed the broader EV push as not just environmental but also economic, citing potential savings on fuel for millions of two-wheeler users.
As consultations on the draft policy continue, the focus remains on balancing ambition with practical implementation. The Delhi EV Policy 2026–2030 underscores India’s evolving approach to sustainable mobility, with Bhavish Aggarwal’s endorsement highlighting the alignment between industry leaders and policymakers in accelerating the transition away from traditional ICE vehicles.
Also Read: PM Modi Highlights Government Efforts Driving Women’s Empowerment in India
