Indian Government Introduces "Fuel Vehicle Ban," Prohibiting New Registration of ICEVs by 2035

【PCauto】In response to severe air pollution issues facing the capital city of Delhi and its surrounding areas, the Indian government officially announced the implementation of a "fuel vehicle ban" in April 2025. The plan aims to eliminate pure gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2035 at the latest, transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid models, and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.

The National Capital Region (NCR) will serve as the priority area for this initiative, with plans to eventually expand the policy to nearby cities such as Gurugram and Gautam Buddh Nagar. The objective is to improve air quality by reducing vehicular emissions and to establish a clear path for India’s energy transition.

Starting at the end of 2025, only public buses powered by clean fuels—including electric, hybrid, and CNG models—will be permitted for registration in Delhi. This move is seen as the first critical milestone in the policy's rollout, aiming to leverage the public transportation system's demonstrative effect to shift public awareness.

Three-wheeled cargo vehicles and light commercial vehicles will be required to complete their fuel transition between 2026 and 2027. Policymakers believe that the high usage frequency of commercial vehicles makes them significant contributors to pollution, thus prioritizing their management could lead to a rapid reduction in overall emissions.

Private cars and two-wheelers will face phased restrictions between 2030 and 2035, ultimately allowing only clean energy vehicles for registration. Commercial taxis, given their operational costs and drivers' livelihoods, may be granted a longer transition period but will need to align with government planning.

Simultaneously, the Indian government has rolled out multiple supporting policies, including a ban on freight vehicles that do not meet the BS VI emission standards from entering Delhi, which is expected to take effect within a year. Additionally, efforts will be made to strengthen regional pollution control measures, gradually extending the policy's coverage from Delhi to surrounding cities.

However, the implementation of this policy faces significant challenges. The current coverage of charging stations and CNG refueling stations in India is inadequate, particularly in tier-two and tier-three cities, potentially delaying the transition process. Moreover, traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles, due to their lower costs and ease of maintenance, remain dominant in the market, making it difficult for clean energy vehicles to replace them in the short term. Furthermore, workers in the traditional automotive supply chain may face unemployment risks, while the transition to electrification will require substantial infrastructure investment.