New Delhi: The Delhi government on Monday approved electrical vehicle policy emphasising more on two-wheelers and commercial vehicles. The decision has come at time when the city is continuously grappling with air pollution especially in the winters.
After the meeting of cabinet of Delhi government, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal told the press that the cabinet has given its nod to the electronic vehicle policy in the city.
“This policy is ambitious. Pollution levels are very high in Delhi and vehicles have a lot to contribute to that. We had circulated the first draft in November 2018. After several rounds of discussions and taking their comments, this policy has been made,” Kejriwal said.
Talking more about the the policy, Kejriwal said the government is aiming to introduce at least 25 per cent vehicles on Delhi’s roads by next four to five years. “The emphasis is on two-wheelers and public transport because they operate more,” he said.
By 2024, one-fourth of the new vehicles registered in the state should be electric, Kejriwal said, adding that the policy will have special emphasis on having more electric two-wheelers, buses, and goods carriers, as these are one of the key contributors to air pollution.
“Currently, electric two wheelers are less than 0.2 per cent of the total electric vehicles. The presence of three-wheelers are almost nil in the national capital. We hope that in the next year there will be 35,000 vehicles and 250 charging stations. In five years, we hope that 5 lakh electric vehicles will be registered,” he added.
“The government will also set up a state EV fund and board to manage it. Subsidy amounting to Rs 30,000 per vehicle will be given to electric auto rickshaw and e-rickshaw, along with subsidy on loans,” the minister said.
He added that service providers such as Ola, Uber will get special provisions for electric two-wheelers.
