In a major step towards electrification of the vehicle fleet in the national capital, the Delhi government has decided to allow retrofit of old diesel vehicles with electric kits. Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot said the Delhi Transport Department will list manufacturers who make electric kits to install traditional ICE vehicles in electric vehicles. The move comes as a major relief to owners of 10-year-old diesel vehicles in Delhi who have to shut down old diesel vehicles due to the existing regulation. The National Green Tribunal in 2015 and the Supreme Court in 2018 ordered that diesel vehicles 10 years or more and petrol vehicles 15 years or older cannot ply in Delhi NCR.

It came as a shock to many as thousands of vehicles in Delhi-NCR suddenly became non-operational due to the decision. But now, with this move, they can continue to use the same vehicles as Ev after converting electric vehicles into diesel-powered vehicles. While the move will help old diesel vehicle owners continue to use vehicles, it will also help develop the EV aftermarket business ecosystem. The announcement comes at a time when the national capital is facing severe air pollution and vehicular emissions are among those contributing to it.

Delhi is now ready for ICE for electric retrofitting, Gehlot said in a tweet. "Delhi is now open to ICE for electric retrofitting! Vehicles can convert their diesel into electric engines if found fit, the department will list manufacturers of pure electric kits by approved testing agencies. Once empanelled, it will enable vehicles to ply ahead of here. 10 years," he wrote in his Twitter post.

Besides allowing retrofitting of diesel vehicles with electric kits, the Delhi government has also decided that from now on electric light commercial vehicles will be allowed to enter about 250 roads during no entry hours. The government believes that the move will further boost the reach of electric vehicles in the state. In another tweet, Gehlot said, "Good news for Electric Light Commercial Vehicles (L5N and N1). In order to adopt EV, we have exempted these vehicles from any restrictions from plying on identified roads and useless parking during 'No Entry' hours. LCV reg. Already EV has seen a 95% increase since the launch of the policy!"

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