Latest news with #EVPolicy2.0
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Time for a war on pollution': Delhi's EV and dust control push takes shape at Urban Adda 2025
NEW DELHI: Urban Adda 2025 wrapped up on World Environment Day after three days of discussion, policy announcements, and public engagement focused on clean mobility, gender equity, and sustainable urban design. Organised by the Raahgiri Foundation in partnership with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, and supported by Nagarro, the event brought together over 600 participants across 30 sessions at the India Habitat Centre. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurating the summit on World Bicycle Day, reflected on his personal use of cycling for commuting and called for a cultural shift: 'Cycling is the best form of exercise and the solution to pollution. Let's shed the idea that it's only for a certain class. It must become a national movement.' The first day saw Delhi Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh announce the upcoming launch of Delhi's EV Policy 2.0, which aims to address last-mile safety, eliminate bus shortages, and improve transport governance. 'It's not just about how many buses, but whether people feel safe in them,' he said. The second day spotlighted gender and urban mobility, with actor and entrepreneur Pooja Bedi saying, 'Our commute isn't travel, it's survival. A medal is reaching home without trauma.' Her remarks called attention to the daily challenges faced by women in public transport. Rajasthan minister Rajyavardhan Rathore spoke about the success of rural electrification in his state, while discussions on electric vehicle localisation warned against blindly replicating internal combustion engine models. 'EV localisation must follow demand, not dictate it,' said Neha Jain of JSW MG Motors. The final day focused on climate resilience and public transport governance. ICCT and IIT Roorkee released a comprehensive review of EV emissions. CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma warned of unchecked vehicle growth: 'Vehicles have increased 21 times since 1981—but roads have barely doubled.' Amitabh Kant, India's G20 Sherpa, cited the economic and health toll of pollution in Delhi and called for immediate reforms, including electrification of two- and three-wheelers and adoption of solar-powered technologies in small industries. 'Delhi loses Rs 100,000 crore and 6.3 years of life expectancy annually to pollution. It's time for a war against it,' he said. The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CAQM and the Raahgiri Foundation to develop a Resources Lab for dust pollution mitigation in NCR cities.
Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Arabian Post
Delhi Gears Up to Launch New Electric Vehicle Policy Next Month
Delhi's government is set to introduce an updated Electric Vehicle Policy next month, aiming to enhance sustainable transport options and aggressively combat the city's longstanding pollution challenges. The forthcoming policy update builds on the foundation laid by the original EV Policy, which has been instrumental in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles across the capital. This next iteration emerges following a comprehensive review by an expert committee tasked with assessing the policy's effectiveness and identifying areas for refinement. The city's persistent struggle with hazardous air quality has propelled the administration to double down on measures that reduce emissions, with electric vehicles representing a critical component of the broader environmental strategy. The new policy framework is expected to focus on improving public and private transport through increased incentives, infrastructure development, and regulatory support. The objective is to not only facilitate the switch from conventional fossil fuel vehicles to EVs but also to ensure a seamless ecosystem that supports electric mobility for consumers and manufacturers alike. One of the central features under consideration is the expansion of subsidies and financial incentives for buyers of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and cars. Since the initial policy launch, Delhi has witnessed a steady rise in EV sales, spurred by subsidies, easier registration processes, and preferential parking privileges. The new policy aims to amplify these benefits, possibly increasing the subsidy amounts to align with technological advancements and market trends. The government is also exploring differentiated incentives to encourage the uptake of electric commercial vehicles and public transport fleets, recognising their substantial contribution to urban emissions. ADVERTISEMENT Charging infrastructure remains a pivotal challenge in the EV transition. To address this, the updated policy will emphasise the accelerated deployment of charging stations across the city, including residential complexes, commercial hubs, and public spaces. The government plans to partner with private players and utility providers to establish a robust network, minimising range anxiety among potential EV users. Additionally, the policy will advocate for streamlined permitting processes to facilitate rapid infrastructure rollout. These measures aim to create a user-friendly environment that supports daily electric vehicle operations without hindrance. Delhi's EV Policy 2.0 is also expected to incorporate measures aimed at fostering local manufacturing and innovation. The capital's position as a key market and production hub in India for electric vehicles offers significant economic potential. The government is likely to introduce incentives for companies investing in research and development, battery manufacturing, and vehicle assembly within the city. This approach is designed to generate employment, encourage technological advancement, and reduce dependency on imports, especially in critical components such as lithium-ion batteries. Environmental experts have welcomed the policy update, highlighting its potential to drastically reduce the city's vehicular pollution, which accounts for a significant share of Delhi's air quality problems. Dr. Anita Sharma, an environmental scientist based in Delhi, notes that 'an effective EV policy not only addresses tailpipe emissions but also signals a shift towards sustainable urban planning and cleaner energy use.' She points out that integrating renewable energy sources into the charging infrastructure could further enhance the policy's impact by ensuring that electric vehicles operate on green electricity rather than fossil-fuel-based power. However, some challenges remain. The affordability of electric vehicles, despite subsidies, continues to be a barrier for many consumers. While the policy aims to widen access, the upfront cost of EVs compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles can deter lower-income buyers. Analysts suggest that targeted financing options and longer-term incentives could help bridge this gap. Moreover, the sustainability of the electric vehicle supply chain, including the ethical sourcing of battery materials, is gaining attention among policymakers and activists alike. Delhi's transport department has reiterated its commitment to transparency and public consultation throughout the policy finalisation process. Public workshops and stakeholder meetings have been conducted to gather feedback from industry experts, civil society groups, and consumer representatives. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the policy is balanced, practical, and aligned with the city's unique mobility landscape. ADVERTISEMENT The new policy comes amid increasing competition among Indian cities to become leaders in electric mobility. Metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have also been rolling out ambitious EV incentives and infrastructure projects. Delhi's updated framework is expected to set a benchmark in terms of scale and ambition, potentially serving as a model for other regions seeking to tackle urban pollution through cleaner transportation alternatives.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Delhi govt plans to roll out EV Policy 2.0 by next month
Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Tuesday said the government plans to roll out the Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0 by next month. He was speaking at the Urban Adda 2025 , a three-day national urban dialogue hosted by Raahgiri Foundation in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, supported by Nagarro. The Delhi government plans to roll out the EV Policy 2.0 by next month, a statement quoted Singh as saying. "I can't publicly discuss the specifics yet because the Cabinet is still reviewing it," he said, adding "...we've brought in a committee of experts, and we will go ahead with their conclusions". In April, the Delhi government approved an extension of the Electric Vehicle Policy by three months. The EV policy has been extended multiple times under the previous AAP regime and the current government led by the BJP. The policy was launched in August 2020 as one of the key initiatives of the previous AAP government to tackle vehicular pollution and push the adoption of electric vehicles. Singh said the Delhi government is revamping Delhi's transport system completely. "The previous regime left behind a heavy burden, but I promise, there will be no bus shortage by the end of this year," he said. The number of buses doesn't matter, what matters is quality, safety, and service, he added. Singh also termed the DEVI Bus Service as a major success. "These aren't just electric buses, they're centrally connected via GPS and onboard cameras to ensure commuter safety. We're heavily investing in route rationalisation to guarantee last-mile connectivity, and we're phasing out older buses to replace them with EVs," he added. The minister also announced plans for a legal framework to prosecute all categories of traffic violations and emphasised the importance of pedestrian safety, clean air, and data-led transport governance.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Electric L5 three-wheeler segment records rapid shift from ICE to EVs; policy and fleet demand drive growth: Report
India's L5 electric three-wheeler (E3W) passenger segment registered a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 193.6 per cent between FY2023 and FY2025, driven by cost efficiencies, fleet electrification, and policy initiatives, according to a report by JMK Research. The L5 category refers to high-powered and larger passenger three-wheelers that are increasingly replacing internal combustion engine (ICE) models in urban and peri-urban mobility. The report noted that while electric three-wheelers carry a higher upfront cost, their lower operating costs—estimated at ₹0.50–0.70/km compared to ₹3–4/km for ICE vehicles—make them economically viable for operators with 8–12 hour daily usage. Payback periods are typically within 12–18 months. Mahindra Last Mile Mobility led the electric L5 segment in FY2025 with 52,246 units sold. More than 90 per cent of its L5 portfolio comprised electric models. The report attributed Mahindra's performance to its widespread after-sales network and accessible financing options. Bajaj Auto, which entered the L5 electric passenger segment in FY2024, sold 46,118 units in FY2025, with electric vehicles accounting for 12 per cent of its total L5 sales. TVS Motor, which launched its electric L5 models in January 2025, recorded 1,696 unit sales in FY2025, with an electric penetration of 7 per cent. Piaggio continued to maintain a presence in the electric market, although its reliance remains primarily on ICE-powered three-wheelers. Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) was noted in the report for its product innovation and battery-swapping solutions, as well as initiatives such as the 'Pink Auto Rickshaws' aimed at enhancing female driver participation. The report highlighted that urban transport demand and adoption by fleet operators, including Uber and Rapido, were fuelling institutional uptake of electric L5 three-wheelers. OEMs are responding by designing vehicles suited to Indian road conditions, improving range and durability, and offering extended warranties. Looking ahead, JMK Research stated that the sector's trajectory would be shaped by battery technology advancements, access to tailored financing, scaling up of charging and battery swapping infrastructure, and state-level EV policies. In this context, the report cited Delhi's draft EV Policy 2.0, which proposes ending the issuance and renewal of CNG auto-rickshaw permits and reserving all new permits exclusively for electric vehicles. The policy shift, the report noted, could lead to a large-scale transition in public transport fleets and accelerate EV adoption in the national capital. The report concluded that the segment's growth would require collaboration among OEMs, financing institutions, and policy stakeholders to support widespread deployment of electric L5 passenger three-wheelers across the country.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Electric L5 three-wheeler segment records rapid shift from ICE to EVs; policy and fleet demand drive growth: Report
New Delhi: India's L5 electric three-wheeler (E3W) passenger segment registered a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 193.6 per cent between FY2023 and FY2025, driven by cost efficiencies, fleet electrification, and policy initiatives, according to a report by JMK Research. The L5 category refers to high-powered and larger passenger three-wheelers that are increasingly replacing internal combustion engine (ICE) models in urban and peri-urban mobility. The report noted that while electric three-wheelers carry a higher upfront cost, their lower operating costs—estimated at ₹0.50–0.70/km compared to ₹3–4/km for ICE vehicles—make them economically viable for operators with 8–12 hour daily usage. Payback periods are typically within 12–18 months. Mahindra Last Mile Mobility led the electric L5 segment in FY2025 with 52,246 units sold. More than 90 per cent of its L5 portfolio comprised electric models. The report attributed Mahindra's performance to its widespread after-sales network and accessible financing options. Bajaj Auto, which entered the L5 electric passenger segment in FY2024, sold 46,118 units in FY2025, with electric vehicles accounting for 12 per cent of its total L5 sales. TVS Motor, which launched its electric L5 models in January 2025, recorded 1,696 unit sales in FY2025, with an electric penetration of 7 per cent. Piaggio continued to maintain a presence in the electric market, although its reliance remains primarily on ICE-powered three-wheelers. Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) was noted in the report for its product innovation and battery-swapping solutions, as well as initiatives such as the 'Pink Auto Rickshaws' aimed at enhancing female driver participation. The report highlighted that urban transport demand and adoption by fleet operators, including Uber and Rapido, were fuelling institutional uptake of electric L5 three-wheelers. OEMs are responding by designing vehicles suited to Indian road conditions, improving range and durability, and offering extended warranties. Looking ahead, JMK Research stated that the sector's trajectory would be shaped by battery technology advancements, access to tailored financing, scaling up of charging and battery swapping infrastructure, and state-level EV policies. In this context, the report cited Delhi's draft EV Policy 2.0, which proposes ending the issuance and renewal of CNG auto-rickshaw permits and reserving all new permits exclusively for electric vehicles. The policy shift, the report noted, could lead to a large-scale transition in public transport fleets and accelerate EV adoption in the national capital. The report concluded that the segment's growth would require collaboration among OEMs, financing institutions, and policy stakeholders to support widespread deployment of electric L5 passenger three-wheelers across the country.
