New Delhi offers residents $1,000 to scrap old cars for EVs to curb air pollution

The Indian capital is one of the world's most polluted cities with air quality worsening in the winters

FILE PHOTO: Traffic moves along a highway amidst air pollution in New Delhi, India, Dec18, 2025. REUTERS

India's capital New Delhi will offer a cash incentive of over $1,000 to car owners willing to scrap their old vehicle for an EV, according to a new policy finalised by the government on Monday in a move aimed at reducing high levels of air pollution.

New Delhi is one of the world's most polluted cities with air quality worsening in the winters when dense, stagnant air traps emissions from crops burning in neighbouring states, vehicle exhaust and construction dust.

Here are some details:

• The local government in New Delhi finalises new electric vehicle policy with an outlay of 150 billion rupees ($1.59 billion) over four years to incentivise buyers of electric two-wheelers, cars and small trucks, as well as setting up EV chargers.

• To offer $1,060 as scrapping incentive to those who trade in cars bought before Apr 1, 2020 for an EV.

• Those buying a battery EV priced at up to 3 million rupees will be exempt from paying road tax and registration fees, which typically amount to 4%-10% of the car's price.

• Buyers of electric scooters and motorbikes will get a cash incentive of 30,000 rupees in the policy's first year, reducing to 10,000 rupees by year three.

• Delhi government will only register electric two-wheelers from Apr 1, 2028, forcing buyers to move away from gasoline and other powertrains.

• Will also incentivise setting up 32,000 EV charging points across Delhi.

• Hybrid vehicles have not been included in the policy which is expected to come into effect from July 1.

• Policy will provide a big boost to EV players like Tata Motors TAMO.NS and Mahindra & Mahindra MAHM.NS as well as electric two-wheeler makers TVS Motor TVSM.NS, Bajaj Auto BAJA.NS and Ather Energy.