CAQM's EV-only plan for Delhi-NCR by 2030 sparks pushback from gas firms, automakers

In its submission to CAQM, Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) suggested CNG for medium and heavy vehicles and electric mobility for two-wheelers.

• Panel urges only electric cars in Delhi-NCR by 2030
• Transport pollution is the largest source of PM 2.5 in winter
• Carmakers worry about lack of EV charging and financing in Delhi

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Gas distributors and carmakers in Delhi have a reason to worry as an expert panel set up by the Commission for Air Quality Management has recommended that to tackle air pollution in the national capital, only electric cars be registered in Delhi-NCR by 2030.

According to CAQM’s panel report titled ‘Identification of the causes for worsening AQI in Delhi-NCR’, pollution from transport, including private cars and taxis, accounts for 23% of PM 2.5 concentrations, making it the largest primary source in winters, reported The Indian Express.

Calling for a technology-neutral energy transition, gas distributor Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) suggested a “dual pathway” — CNG for medium and heavy vehicles and electric mobility for two-wheelers, arguing that it will offer a “balanced, cost-effective, and operationally feasible strategy for Delhi-NCR."

In its submission to the CAQM, it also suggested diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR be phased out, and converted to CNG as it emits negligible particulate matter compared to other fuels.

“Real-world emission performance of many two-wheelers, especially those who have completed the life or poorly maintained ones shows high levels of NOx, CO, VOCs. This indicates that AQI improvement is not possible unless two-wheeler emissions are targeted through stricter testing, better compliance mechanisms, and a structured transition strategy,” the gas distributor said in its submission to the CAQM.

The Association of Citygas Distribution Entities (ACE) said CNG is uniquely positioned as an immediately scalable, affordable, and reliable clean transport fuel, urging the CAQM to recognise CNG as a “distinct low-emission fuel category in regulatory communications alongside EVs as low carbon and sustainable mobility,” and push EVs and CNG vehicles “through equal incentives and policy support”.

Carmakers are concerned over the pace of transition. Industry voices warn that Delhi, despite being one of India’s significant passenger vehicle markets, lacks charging infrastructure, grid capacity, and consumer financing ecosystems needed for an all-EV mandate within four years.