The sale of electric vehicles (EVs) in Delhi has surged by an impressive 20% during the first half of the current fiscal year. The dynamic trend, revealed by data from the transport department and reported by TOI, paints a vivid picture of changing consumer preferences in the bustling metropolis.
Residents of Delhi have embraced eco-friendly transportation, with 32,400 electric vehicles finding new homes up until September 30. This marks a substantial increase from the previous year’s figure of 26,936. In contrast, diesel-powered vehicles have experienced a notable decline, witnessing a sales decrease of over 24% during the same period.
The shift in consumer behavior is evident as the capital registered a total of 3,06,135 new vehicles, including cars, bikes, scooters, and passenger and cargo vehicles, between April 1 and September 30 this year. Despite an overall sales growth of 4%, the spotlight remains on the electric vehicle category.
Delhi’s government officials, citing feedback from car dealers, have acknowledged a diminishing interest in diesel-powered cars. Consumers are now actively seeking newer models and variants of electric vehicles, driven not only by cost considerations but also environmental awareness.
An official affirmed the city’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “People have started realizing that diesel-run cars are not only costlier but also less environment-friendly. That’s why electric cars and bikes are becoming more popular now. We are constantly strengthening our public charging network.”
To further incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles, the government plans to enhance the appeal of EV 2.0, a move aimed at making the switch financially prudent and far-sighted.
Despite challenges, including a slight shortfall in revenue collection compared to estimates, Delhi’s Electric Vehicle policy, initially introduced in August 2020, remains a driving force. The recent extension of the policy by an additional six months underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a sustainable future.
As of now, nearly 11% of all vehicles registered in the capital between April and September are electric, contributing to a positive revenue growth of about 11% in the first two quarters of 2023-24.
The Delhi government, with ambitious goals to register five lakh new electric vehicles within five years, is steering toward a future where 25% of all new vehicle registrations will be electric by 2025. This surge in electric vehicle adoption, both economically and ecologically sound, positions Delhi at the forefront of a green revolution in urban transportation.