Delhi govt launches Electric Vehicle Policy

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday launched Electric Vehicle Policy in which an incentive of up to Rs 30,000 will be given for two-wheelers, autos, e-rickshaws, and freight vehicles, while for cars, an incentive of up to Rs 1.5 lakh will be provided.

Under the policy, the Delhi government will waive the registration fee and road tax, and additionally, the Kejriwal led government will also provide a scrapping incentive for those wanting to exchange their petrol or diesel-run vehicles.

The CM touts that this is the first time that the scrapping incentive is being given in the country.

Terming the new EV policy as progressive, Kejriwal said that the policy would fulfill their two objectives. First, the government aims to boost Delhi’s economy after the Covid-19 pandemic and second, they want to significantly reduce the pollution level and contribute to sustainable development.

“After launching this policy, we expect five lakh new electric vehicles in the next five years. The Delhi government will set up dedicated ‘EV Cell’ to implement the electric vehicle policy, the CM said adding the state will also set up a State Electric Vehicle Board which, will be headed by Transport Minister and State Electric Vehicle Cell. ”

 According to the policy, the Delhi government will be working on infrastructure development and expects 5 lakh vehicles to be registered in the next 5 years.

Two hundred charging stations will be set up in one year and electric stations will be installed every 3 km.

The Delhi government will also set a State Electric Vehicle Fund, which will provide money for all the expenses.

 Emphasising that the current share of EVs in new car registrations is 0.2%, CM Kejriwal said it is a tall order to reach the goal of 25% by 2024 but one that would also usher in jobs.

With the advancement of new technology, more jobs will be created and therefore youth will also be trained, the CM said.