New draft of EV policy focuses on battery recycling

The Delhi transport department has finalised a fresh draft of the city's Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, placing a sharper emphasis on battery recycling, large-scale expansion of charging infrastructure and expanding lastmile connectivity options beyond e-rickshaws. Senior officials said the draft will be sent to the minister in charge and then the chief minister for final approval.

- Snehil Sinha

Officials aware of the matter said that the EV policy currently in effect does not have a detailed framework for battery recycling and its scientific disposal.

"An EV battery has an average life of eight years after which it needs to be replaced. It is a big question as to what will happen to old lithium-ion batteries and a detailed plan will be drafted regarding handling and disposal," a transport department official, requesting anonymity, said.

The official emphasised that the city would need a comprehensive chain of recycling facilities as more people continue to switch to EVs. Delhi's EV Policy 2020 expired in August 2023 after its three-year term and has since been extended, while the government works on a fresh policy. The policy is currently in effect till March 2026.