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New Delhi: Delhi’s draft EV policy for 2026 to 2030 is setting a clear direction for car buyers in the capital. The government is doubling down on electric mobility, but it has also kept a small space open for strong hybrid vehicles. That mix is interesting, especially at a time when many buyers are still unsure about going fully electric.

I was speaking to a dealer last week, and he said most buyers still ask the same thing. Range or fuel savings. This policy tries to answer both, at least partly. It rewards affordable EVs heavily and gives hybrids a limited but visible benefit.

EVs under ₹30 lakh get full tax relief

The biggest takeaway is simple. Electric cars priced up to ₹30 lakh will get 100 per cent exemption from road tax and registration fees in Delhi till March 31, 2030.

That can reduce the on-road price significantly. Models like Tata Nexon EV, MG Windsor EV, Mahindra BE 6, and Hyundai Creta Electric sit right in this range, making them more attractive for urban buyers.

At the same time, EVs priced above ₹30 lakh will not get any exemption. This draws a clear line. The policy is focused on mass adoption, not premium segments.

Strong hybrids get partial support

The draft also proposes a 50 per cent exemption on road tax and registration fees for strong hybrid vehicles under ₹30 lakh.

Cars like Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda City e HEV, and even larger options like Maruti Invicto and Toyota Innova Hycross in select variants fall into this bracket.

For buyers not ready to switch fully to EVs, this gives a middle option. Lower running costs, and now some upfront savings too.

Scraping incentive adds extra push

Another key part is the scrapping benefit. Buyers can get ₹1 lakh incentive if they scrap an older BS IV or older car and buy a new EV priced under ₹30 lakh.

There are conditions. The purchase must happen within six months of getting the scrapping certificate, and the benefit is limited to the first 1 lakh applicants.

What this means for the market

The draft policy signals a clear push toward affordable EV adoption in Delhi. It lowers entry cost, nudges buyers away from petrol and diesel, and still keeps hybrids in the conversation.

For the average buyer, the decision just got a bit easier. And for the market, the price war in the sub ₹30 lakh segment could get sharper in the coming months.