Delhi has unveiled its ambitious EV Policy 2.0, marking a major shift in its clean mobility strategy with a strong focus on electrifying two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws. The policy aims to reduce air pollution by targeting the most widely used vehicles on the capital’s roads, signaling a transition from limited EV adoption to large-scale electrification of everyday transport. Industry stakeholders view the move as a decisive step toward reshaping urban mobility in India’s most congested city.
At the core of the policy is the recognition that motorcycles and scooters form the backbone of daily commuting in Delhi. With millions relying on two-wheelers for work, education, and essential travel, officials believe electrifying this segment will have the greatest environmental impact. The policy introduces a roadmap that includes phased adoption of electric auto-rickshaws and making electric two-wheelers the default choice in the coming years, supported by incentives and infrastructure expansion.
Experts say the success of the initiative will depend not just on subsidies but on the development of a complete EV ecosystem. This includes widespread charging infrastructure, improved financing options, reliable after-sales service, and stronger consumer trust. Industry leaders such as Oben Electric CEO Madhumita Agrawal have emphasised that policy certainty is essential for both manufacturers and buyers to commit to electric mobility at scale. She noted that manufacturers must ensure EVs can fully match petrol vehicles in performance, safety, and long-term reliability.
The policy is also expected to reshape competition in the automobile sector. Traditional two-wheeler manufacturers like Honda, Bajaj, Hero, and TVS, which still earn most of their revenue from petrol vehicles, will face increasing pressure from EV-focused startups that have built electric models from the ground up. While established players are already expanding their EV portfolios, experts suggest their transition may be slower due to legacy business structures and existing investments in combustion engine technology.
Beyond manufacturers, the policy could significantly impact repair shops and service networks that depend heavily on internal combustion engine maintenance. Experts note that while some skills like braking and suspension repair will remain relevant, EV systems require different technical expertise, potentially forcing workshops to retrain or adapt their business models. Meanwhile, shared mobility services and fleet operators are expected to be major beneficiaries, as electrifying high-mileage commercial vehicles could deliver faster emissions reductions.
However, analysts stress that the success of Delhi’s EV Policy 2.0 will ultimately depend on execution, particularly the speed of charging infrastructure expansion and the ease of EV ownership for everyday users.