SIAM Flags Risks in Draft Delhi EV Policy, Warns Against Rushed Transition

Why It Matters

A premature EV rollout could increase emissions, strain the power grid, and jeopardize livelihoods, slowing sustainable mobility growth in India’s largest market.

Key Takeaways

• Coal‑heavy grid reduces immediate emissions benefit of EVs
• Rapid EV shift may overload Delhi’s limited charging infrastructure
• Independent workshops risk losing business without EV training tools
• SIAM calls for stakeholder consultation before policy finalization

Pulse Analysis

Delhi’s draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026 arrives at a time when India’s electricity generation remains heavily reliant on coal, with renewables accounting for a modest share. This imbalance means that each megawatt‑hour supplied to an EV often carries the same carbon intensity as a gasoline‑powered vehicle, diluting the climate advantage that policymakers tout. By highlighting the mismatch between EV adoption speed and clean‑energy rollout, SIAM underscores a core sustainability paradox that could undermine public confidence in the city’s green agenda.

Beyond emissions, the transition poses a practical challenge for the automotive service sector. Thousands of independent workshops across Delhi and the National Capital Region lack the specialized tools, training, and safety protocols required for electric drivetrains. Without a coordinated upskilling program, these small businesses risk revenue loss, potentially forcing mechanics out of the market and reducing after‑sales support for consumers. The resulting service gaps could erode the user experience, slowing EV uptake and creating a feedback loop that hampers the policy’s objectives.

For policymakers, SIAM’s warning signals the need for a phased, ecosystem‑wide approach. Aligning EV incentives with accelerated renewable‑energy projects, expanding public charging networks, and funding certification schemes for technicians can create a more resilient transition. Such coordination not only safeguards jobs but also ensures that Delhi’s EV push delivers genuine environmental benefits, positioning the city as a model for other Indian states grappling with similar energy and infrastructure constraints.