NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has unveiled a roadmap to significantly expand the city’s electric vehicle charging network, proposing a single-window clearance system for charging infrastructure, mandatory public charging stations at EV dealerships and greater participation from housing societies and private players under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2026.The policy aims to make EV charging more accessible by speeding up approvals for charging and battery-swapping infrastructure while encouraging Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and group housing societies to install charging facilities within residential premises.Under the policy, every Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) operating in Delhi will be required to set up at least one public charging station at each of its dealerships.Each station must have a minimum of three charging points for two- and three-wheelers and two charging points for four-wheelers.The Delhi government will also seek financial assistance under the Centre’s PM E-Drive scheme and other government programmes to expand public and community charging as well as battery-swapping infrastructure.Additional funds will also be allocated to the power department for the rollout.To improve charging efficiency, power distribution companies (DISCOMs) will explore the use of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) at electric bus depots for better load management and grid reliability.“They will also examine time-of-day tariffs and differential electricity pricing through the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission to reduce charging costs,” the policy said.Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) has been designated as the nodal agency for planning, coordinating and implementing public EV charging and battery-swapping infrastructure across the capital.It will identify suitable locations, assess power requirements and oversee phased deployment.Charging infrastructure developers will be provided a dedicated digital platform for site onboarding, approvals, monitoring and reporting. DTL will notify standard operating procedures covering technical standards, approval timelines, service benchmarks and monitoring mechanisms. mechanisms.To reduce procedural delays, the government will introduce a single-window clearance mechanism to help charging point and battery-swapping operators obtain approvals and electricity connections more quickly for public and semi-public charging stations.Apart from DTL, DISCOMs, private firms, real estate developers and other eligible stakeholders have been encouraged to establish charging stations across the city.A high-powered committee, headed by the Chief Secretary and comprising representatives of the transport, power, planning, environment and finance departments, DTL, DISCOMs and other agencies, will oversee the development of charging infrastructure.The policy also encourages RWAs, group housing societies, residential communities and private entities to facilitate community and private charging infrastructure within residential complexes, improving access for EV owners.Charging infrastructure at suitable government-owned locations will also be developed to support the growing use of electric buses and trucks and provide reliable charging access for private fleet operators.On battery management, the Environment Department will ensure compliance with the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, while the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will facilitate battery collection centres through a public-private partnership model with authorised recyclers.OEMs will be required to periodically submit reports on battery traceability and compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility norms.The government also plans to promote a battery traceability system using unique battery identifiers to support refurbishment, second-life use and environmentally sound recycling.The policy also places responsibilities on OEMs to ensure adequate and timely supply of electric vehicles across all eligible segments during the policy period, the notification stated.Charging stations developed under the policy will, wherever feasible, follow the siting guidelines prescribed under the Centre’s PM E-Drive scheme.OEMs are also expected to work towards stabilising EV prices to make electric vehicles more affordable for Delhi residents.(With PTI inputs)
