Delhi mandates 20% parking for electric vehicle charging

Delhi is set to introduce a new Electric Vehicle (EV) policy that will require new buildings to reserve part of their parking spaces for EV charging. The proposal, which is expected to be announced next month, mandates that at least 20% of parking spaces in new buildings must have EV charging points. Buildings with at least 20 parking spaces will need to include a minimum of four charging spaces to receive occupancy certificates. For larger buildings with 100 parking spaces, at least 20 must be designated for EV charging. Older buildings will need to have at least 5% of their parking spaces equipped for EV infrastructure. The policy aims to improve EV adoption by addressing the lack of charging stations. Officials say the new rules will be incorporated into local building regulations. The previous EV policy in Delhi expired in August 2023 but was extended until 2025. The new policy must still be approved by the Delhi cabinet and the Lieutenant Governor. In addition to private buildings, all public parking areas will be required to have some level of charging infrastructure. Fast charging stations will also be installed along Ring Road and Outer Ring Road. The goal is to have a total of 13,200 public charging stations in Delhi by 2030, ensuring availability within every five kilometers. To encourage the installation of charging stations, subsidies will be offered to support businesses. For larger public stations, the subsidy could be up to ₹ 30 lakh. The policy also proposes penalties for parking non-EVs in spaces meant for EVs. Lastly, the proposal includes ambitious targets for vehicle registration. It may require that every third car registered at the same address be electric. By August 2026, no petrol or diesel two-wheelers will be allowed to register, and older CNG autorickshaws must be replaced or retrofitted during the policy period.