An insight into Delhi EV policy, scheme and Power Distribution reforms in India
The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has launched the “Switch Delhi” campaign to promote and encourage the citizens of the capital to make the switch from fuel to electric vehicles.
India’s ‘National Electric Mobility Mission’ and the Delhi Government's efforts in promoting EV adoption are rapidly taking wings. Aiming to be the EV capital of India, the Delhi Government is working hard to achieve sustainable development and zero emissions. Looking at the alarming pollution levels across the national capital, Switch Delhi campaign seem like the viable option to improve the air quality and cutting noise pollution other than greenhouse gas emissions.
To further achieve the plan, the Delhi Government has also launched a powerful single-window (online and phone call) facility for EV charging stations. The progressive scheme is targeted at domestic and semi-public sites in the capital. After the government’s subsidy, an owner of a two or three-wheeler EV vehicle will have to shell out a nominal amount of Rs. 2500 for a charging point to be established. For the EV chargers installation, the Delhi Government is offering a subsidy of Rs. 6,000 to the initial 30,000 applicants. Tata Power-DDL has empanelled vendors to facilitate installation of the chargers.
Delhi also has an e-Vehicle Portal to provide subsidies to people investing in EVs. Since August 7, 2020, the capital has an EV Policy in place that requires people to avail subsidy benefits. Under the Delhi EV policy, the government has already approved over 100 models. Within the next 5 years, Delhi’s EV buyers are likely to be at least 5 lakh. The government is also planning to promote the EVs by offering car loans at low interest rates. For the unawares, the Delhi is the only state in India to wave off EVs from road tariff and registration charges. In March 2022, the Delhi government set up an EV cell to support and push the EV policy by making the progress of payment of demand incentives and charging stations seamless. Starting June 1, 2022, the Delhi Government will offer free EV charging at some locations at specific timings.
Talking about the Rs. 3 trillion power distribution reforms scheme launched in 2021, all the states in India are in consensus with the Central Government as it aims to enhance the operational services and financial sustainability by offering conditional monetary aid to DISCOMs and boosting the supply infrastructure.
Looking at the progressive steps and power distribution reforms in India, it seems that Delhi will soon be able to overcome its pollution challenges and come through as a sustainably developed capital.
