Private EV adoption in Delhi hits highest level since 2019 as electric car registrations nearly double – Firstpost

Private electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Delhi surged to its highest level since 2019 during the first five months of 2026, driven by record registrations of electric two-wheelers and a near doubling of private electric car sales, according to data compiled by research and advisory think tank Envirocatalysts.

The figures underscore a growing shift among consumers towards electric mobility in the national capital, even as the Delhi government prepares to roll out an ambitious new EV policy aimed at accelerating the transition away from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles.

Electric two-wheelers continue to dominate

Electric two-wheelers remained the dominant segment in Delhi’s EV market, accounting for 51.9 per cent of all electric vehicle registrations between January and May this year. Registrations in the category rose nearly 70 per cent year-on-year to 20,239 units from 11,939 units in the corresponding period of 2025.

The segment recorded its highest registrations since 2019, when only 533 electric two-wheelers were registered during the same period. Adoption has accelerated sharply in recent years, reflecting improving vehicle affordability, expanding charging infrastructure and rising consumer acceptance of electric mobility.

Private electric car registrations surge

Private electric four-wheelers also posted strong growth, with registrations climbing 96 per cent year-on-year to 9,471 units during January-May 2026, compared with 4,832 units a year earlier. The category accounted for 24.3 per cent of all EV registrations during the period.

The latest figures mark the highest level of private electric car adoption in Delhi since 2019, when just 76 vehicles were registered in the segment during the first five months of the year. Registrations have steadily increased from 17 units in 2020 to 433 in 2021, 981 in 2022, 2,394 in 2023 and 2,497 in 2024 before accelerating further over the past two years.

The growth in private EV adoption comes as policymakers intensify efforts to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality in one of the world’s most polluted urban centres.

E-rickshaw registrations witness sharp decline

However, not all EV categories witnessed growth.

E-rickshaw registrations plunged 93 per cent to 1,887 units during January-May 2026 from 25,643 units in the same period last year. The segment accounted for just 4.8 per cent of total EV registrations, down sharply from previous years.

The decline is particularly notable because 2025 had recorded the highest e-rickshaw registrations since 2019.

Commercial EVs and buses gain traction

Meanwhile, electric commercial passenger vehicles, including app-based cabs and taxis, registered one of the fastest growth rates among EV categories. Registrations jumped 254 per cent year-on-year to 1,068 units from 302 units a year earlier.

Electric bus registrations also increased 59 per cent to 858 units during the first five months of the year, highlighting continued efforts to electrify public transport fleets.

Despite the rapid expansion of electric mobility, petrol-powered vehicles continued to dominate Delhi’s overall vehicle market. More than 258,000 petrol vehicles were registered during January-May 2026, making petrol the most widely used fuel type among newly registered vehicles in the capital.