Delhi is taking its electric vehicle ambitions to the next level by partnering with Norway, the world’s undisputed EV champion. The Delhi government has joined hands with Norway through the Delhi-Oslo Smart Transport Initiative (DOSTI) to accelerate India’s clean mobility transformation.
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Why Norway? The EV Success Story Worth Copying
Norway achieved a remarkable milestone with 88.9% of all new passenger cars sold being fully electric by the end of 2024, making it the global leader in EV adoption. Norway has a target that 100% of new passenger cars and light goods vehicles sold be zero-emissions by 2025.
| Country | EV Market Share | Key Policy Features |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | 88.9% (2024) | Tax exemptions, free parking, toll waivers |
| Delhi | 12.5% (2022) | Purchase incentives, charging infrastructure |
Delhi’s Ambitious EV Roadmap Gets Nordic Boost
Delhi aims to have 1 out of every 4 vehicles sold by 2024 be an EV, targeting 25% of all new vehicles to be battery-operated. The collaboration with Norway comes at a crucial time as Delhi prepares its EV Policy 2.0, which will introduce stricter measures.
The new policy proposes banning ICE three-wheeler registrations from August 2025 and ICE two-wheelers from August 2026.
Learning from Norway’s Winning Formula
Norway’s success stems from comprehensive incentives including exemption from registration taxes, annual road taxes, and 25% VAT, plus free public parking and toll road access. Delhi is studying these policies to craft its own incentive structure.
| Norwegian Incentives | Potential Delhi Applications |
|---|---|
| Zero purchase tax | Enhanced subsidy schemes |
| Free toll roads | Reduced congestion charges |
| Free public parking | Priority parking zones |
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Delhi’s EV policy aims to promote about 5 lakh EVs, creating jobs for drivers, mechanics, and charging station staff. The Norwegian model shows how sustainable transport policies can boost economic growth while reducing emissions.
What This Means for Delhi’s Future
The partnership signals Delhi’s commitment to learning from global best practices. Delhi Transport Minister highlighted that electric vehicles now make up 94% of new car sales in Norway and over 80% of the city-bus fleet, providing a clear roadmap for the capital.
This collaboration could accelerate Delhi’s journey toward becoming India’s EV capital, combining Norwegian expertise with local innovation to create a cleaner, greener future for millions of residents.
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