Delhi is the only major state or union territory to have a sharp decline in EV registrations this year, even though the government decided to extend its EV policy until March 2025. From 1,435 in January to just 220 in November, the national capital suffered a shocking 85% drop in registrations.
However, there has been growth in other important EV markets. Industry observers claim that the policy’s uncertainty and sudden halts have deterred Delhi consumers from buying EVs. The Delhi Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2020 has been in effect through extensions even though it officially ended in August 2023. In November, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced that cars purchased on or after January 1st will once more qualify for road tax rebates and incentives. However, buyers have yet to reap the rewards of the extension.
Sales of EVs in Delhi virtually ceased in September when the state government eliminated the exemption from road taxes for electric cars and two-wheelers. Due to the sharp price increase caused by the end of subsidies, just 82 electric cars were sold that month.
For two consecutive months, September and October, the Delhi government did not provide the incentives. Only after the Supreme Court chastised the administration for failing to control air pollution in the capital was the extension declared in November.
