Delhi Confirms April 2028 Petrol Two-Wheeler Ban Despite China Battery Supply Fears

The Delhi government has decided to proceed with its proposal to stop the registration of new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) two-wheelers from April 2028 under the upcoming Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0, despite strong objections from automobile manufacturers and other stakeholders. The move is part of the government's broader strategy to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility and reduce vehicular emissions in the national capital.

The proposed restriction on new petrol-powered motorcycles and scooters has emerged as one of the most debated provisions of the draft policy. Industry representatives have argued that a complete shift to electric two-wheelers within the proposed timeline could create challenges for consumers who rely on affordable petrol vehicles for daily commuting and personal mobility.

Automobile manufacturers and other stakeholders have also expressed concerns over India's battery ecosystem and supply chain. They contend that the country remains dependent on imports for batteries and critical rare-earth materials, with a significant share sourced from China, raising questions about the readiness of the domestic industry to support a large-scale transition to electric vehicles.

Also Read: Delhi Announces Free Bus Travel For NEET Re-Test Candidates On June 21

Despite these concerns, the Delhi government has decided to retain the electrification mandate as part of EV Policy 2.0. The policy aims to encourage cleaner transportation options and reduce air pollution by increasing the share of electric vehicles in the city's overall vehicle population while promoting sustainable urban mobility.

The proposed ban on the registration of new ICE two-wheelers is expected to be accompanied by measures to strengthen the electric vehicle ecosystem, including expanded charging infrastructure and incentives designed to encourage consumers to switch to battery-powered alternatives. Hybrid vehicle subsidies and other support mechanisms have also been part of the broader policy discussions.

If implemented as planned, the April 2028 deadline would mark a significant milestone in Delhi's transition towards cleaner transportation. While the proposal continues to face industry pushback over affordability, infrastructure and supply chain preparedness, the government appears committed to pursuing its long-term objective of making electric mobility a central pillar of the capital's transport system.

Also Read: Delhi Pushes Smart Lighting Drive With 1 Lakh LED Street Light Upgrade