Delhi is charging ahead in the revolution of sustainable transportation under the diligent leadership of Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal. Committed to shaping a green future, the city is steadily becoming the epicentre of the country’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution.
In a significant milestone, the city has recently introduced 140 new public charging points and 48 battery swapping stations. Alongside these, 42 new ultra-low-cost charging stations have been launched. These pivotal enhancements have greatly fortified Delhi’s EV infrastructure, boosting the city’s total to an impressive 4,646 charging points and 250 battery swapping stations.
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal highlighted the stark difference between the cost of commuting in traditional fossil fuel vehicles and EVs. The statistics are compelling – an EV car costs a mere 36 paise per kilometre compared to Rs 7 for a petrol car. The shift to EVs not only allows owners to contribute to a cleaner Delhi but also enjoy considerable savings, demonstrating the economic viability of sustainable transport options.
The NITI Aayog has commended Delhi’s EV policy as the best in the country, reflecting the city’s determination to spearhead sustainable mobility. Delhi has outpaced the national EV adoption average of 6% by a substantial margin, with EVs now comprising 13% of total vehicle sales. Since the policy’s inception in August 2020, Delhiites have purchased 1.28 lakh EVs, a remarkable achievement that has deservedly earned Delhi the title of ‘EV Capital of India.’
Importantly, these concerted efforts towards green mobility are reflected in Delhi’s improving air quality. As pointed out by Shri Arvind Kejriwal, the levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 have decreased by 30% compared to 2014, a testament to the effectiveness of Delhi’s green initiatives and the collective commitment of its citizens towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Delhi’s EV policy has not only received national but also global recognition. The Niti Aayog report has urged other states to learn from Delhi’s successful model, likening it to leading global models such as those in California and New York. This acknowledgement serves as a badge of honour, reinforcing the city’s belief in the potential of sustainable mobility solutions.
The success story of Delhi’s EV revolution underscores the power of collective action towards a greener future. As Delhi continues to champion this green revolution, the hope is to inspire more cities to follow suit. Together, we can create a sustainable future for all.
