New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) In a bold move to combat rising pollution levels through the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Saturday that a detailed framework for an Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy is in the pipeline and is expected to take effect in the upcoming financial year.

Gupta emphasized that the EV Policy will be pivotal in managing pollution in the Capital, as vehicular emissions are a significant source of air pollution.

She remarked that the policy extends beyond just financial incentives, aiming for a cleaner future for the city.

“With widespread EV adoption, we can expect a direct decrease in PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations. The government is working on integrating charging infrastructure and subsidies to position Delhi as the country’s and potentially the world’s ‘EV capital’,” Gupta stated.

“In our battle against pollution, the right technology and government backing are our strongest assets,” she added.

The Chief Minister clarified that the focus of the new EV policy will be primarily on financial incentives.

To bridge the considerable price gap between ICE vehicles and electric ones, she announced that adequate subsidies will be provided.

Furthermore, the Delhi government has already removed road tax and registration fees for EV purchases, making them much more economical, she noted.

Gupta also addressed concerns regarding old vehicles, stating that a ‘scrapping’ plan for outdated vehicles has been formulated.

A ‘scrapping incentive’ scheme will be introduced to phase out high-polluting vehicles. Citizens who scrap their old petrol or diesel vehicles will receive extra financial benefits when buying a new EV, thereby encouraging a shift towards electric mobility.

The Chief Minister indicated that the government has urged vehicle manufacturers to ensure alignment with market demand.

Manufacturers must guarantee timely vehicle supply that meets market needs while maintaining reasonable prices, she said.

Before finalizing the policy, extensive discussions are ongoing with power distribution companies, vehicle manufacturers, and scrap dealers, and a draft policy will be made public to gather feedback from the public.

Gupta further noted that the Delhi Government is focusing on a ‘single-window’ system and expanding the EV infrastructure network.

In addition to major public locations, public charging points will also be established in residential areas, she confirmed.

Facilities for the scientific disposal of old batteries and battery swapping will be developed to minimize long charging times. She assured vehicle owners that they would be given adequate time to transition to electric mobility.