The Delhi government has unveiled key details of its proposed electric vehicle policy, which aims to significantly boost EV adoption in the capital. This new policy, set to take effect in April, builds upon the foundation laid by the 2020 EV policy and sets even more ambitious targets for the city’s transition to cleaner transportation. The goal is to ensure that electric vehicles account for 27 percent of total vehicle registrations, an increase from the previous target of 25 percent. The policy also focuses on replacing CNG-powered vehicles, such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, and light commercial vehicles, with electric alternatives.

The move comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to combat air pollution and promote sustainable mobility in Delhi. Air quality in the capital has been a long-standing concern, with vehicular emissions being one of the primary contributors. By accelerating the shift to electric vehicles, policymakers hope to reduce pollution levels while also encouraging investment in clean energy technologies.

The new policy aims to build upon the progress made by the earlier EV initiative, which provided a range of incentives, including tax waivers and subsidies, to encourage adoption. Continuing with this approach, the latest proposal includes purchase incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and commercial vehicles such as electric trucks. These incentives are designed to make EVs more accessible to the general public and businesses alike, helping to drive widespread adoption across different vehicle segments.

One of the key features of the proposed policy is the establishment of a dedicated fund for electric vehicles. This fund will be used to finance purchase incentives and support the development of EV infrastructure in the city. It will be sourced through green taxes, pollution charges, and fees collected from aggregator licenses. By creating a sustainable financial model, the government aims to ensure that EV adoption continues to grow without placing excessive strain on public resources.

Another major focus of the policy is the electrification of commercial transport fleets. Given that taxis, auto-rickshaws, and delivery vehicles contribute significantly to emissions in the city, the government is pushing for a rapid transition to electric alternatives in these categories. Stricter regulations will be put in place to ensure compliance, and businesses operating in the transport sector will be encouraged to make the switch through a combination of incentives and mandates.

To support this transition, the government is also prioritizing the expansion of EV charging infrastructure. The lack of sufficient charging stations has been a barrier to widespread EV adoption, and addressing this issue is a key component of the new policy. Plans are in place to install more public charging points across the city and to mandate the inclusion of charging stations in new buildings and public spaces. Additionally, capital subsidies will be provided for private and semi-public charging stations, ensuring that businesses and housing societies can set up charging points more easily.

The government also plans to develop fast-charging corridors along major roads, making it more convenient for EV users to charge their vehicles on the go. These corridors will help alleviate concerns about range anxiety and encourage more people to consider switching to electric vehicles.

To oversee the successful implementation of the policy, a Delhi Clean Mobility Centre (DCMC) will be established. This body will be responsible for tracking progress, coordinating initiatives, and ensuring that the city stays on course toward its electrification goals. The DCMC will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private businesses, and environmental organizations, to ensure that the transition to electric mobility is as smooth and effective as possible.

The introduction of this policy is expected to have far-reaching effects on the city’s transportation landscape. By setting ambitious targets and backing them with concrete measures, the government aims to make Delhi a leader in EV adoption in India. If successful, the policy could serve as a model for other cities looking to tackle air pollution

Article By
Sourabh Gupta

Mitsubishi Chemical Group has expressed interest in becoming a key player in India’s semiconductor and electric vehicle supply chain. The Japanese company is looking for opportunities to expand its presence in the Indian market by setting up a new project in these sectors. Manabu Chikumoto, president and CEO of the company, spoke during an interactive session at the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kolkata about the potential of India’s expanding semiconductor and electric vehicle industries and the significance of working with partners in the area.

While the company has yet to finalize a location for its proposed project, Chikumoto acknowledged the crucial role that government support will play in making this venture a success. He mentioned that the Indian government has been working hard to grow the semiconductor industry, and that Mitsubishi Chemical Group would need help from both the central and local governments to start up in India. In West Bengal, where it previously ran a purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant under the MCC PTA India brand, Mitsubishi Chemical has a long history of operations in India.

Until industrialist Purnendu Chatterjee’s TCG purchased the facility, the company managed it. The Haldia-based plant, which is now known as MCPI, continues to play a significant role in the production of PTA, a crucial raw material for the production of PET resins for the bottle industry. Chikumoto recalled the difficulties Mitsubishi Chemical had to overcome in India during the company’s previous operations there. He acknowledged that support from the state and central governments, along with assistance from financial institutions and other stakeholders, played a crucial role in helping the company navigate those difficulties.

Following the transition to TCG’s ownership, MCPI was able to expand its business, further strengthening its presence in the chemical industry.As part of its long-term strategy, Mitsubishi Chemical Group is focusing on carbon-neutral and environmentally friendly technologies as it looks to the future. This is in line with global efforts to cut carbon emissions and encourage industry-wide sustainability.

While maintaining its commitment to environmentally responsible practices, the company is looking into ways to contribute to the developing semiconductor and electric vehicle markets. Chatterjee also emphasized the significance of locating environmentally friendly plastics solutions during the discussion. He said that plastics are still a good value and long-lasting material. He also said that recycling is important, but polymers can’t be completely replaced by anything else right now in many industries.

His remarks bring to light the ongoing debate regarding the use of plastic and the need for novel strategies to strike a balance between the demands of industry and the economy and environmental concerns. Haldia Petrochemicals Limited, another significant Haldia industrial facility, is run by TCG, the company that owns MCPI. The company continues to play a significant role in the region’s industrial landscape, contributing to the petrochemical sector and exploring new opportunities for growth.

The Indian government is making significant investments in the semiconductor and electric vehicle supply chains, which coincides with Mitsubishi Chemical’s renewed interest in these sectors. India actively encourages global corporations to establish operations in the country by placing a growing emphasis on self-reliance and domestic manufacturing. Particularly the semiconductor industry has been a major focus, and numerous incentives have been provided to encourage investment and enhance local production capabilities.

The rapid expansion of the market for electric vehicles is also being fueled by government policies that encourage clean energy and long-term transportation options. As consumer demand for EVs rises, companies involved in battery production, raw material supply, and semiconductor manufacturing are finding new opportunities in the Indian market. The potential for Mitsubishi Chemical to enter this market is in line with these broader trends in the industry and has the potential to establish the company as a major player in the developing technological landscape of India.

Although specific details of the proposed project by Mitsubishi Chemical have not yet been finalized, the company’s interest demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding its presence in India. By leveraging its expertise and forming strategic partnerships, Mitsubishi Chemical aims to contribute to the country’s growing semiconductor and EV ecosystem. As discussions with government authorities and potential collaborators progress, further details about the company’s plans are expected to emerge in the coming months.

The prospect of Mitsubishi Chemical entering the Indian market for semiconductors and EV supply chains underscores the country’s increasing importance as a hub for technological innovation and industrial development. India presents a compelling opportunity for global corporations looking to invest in the future of advanced manufacturing and clean energy due to supportive government policies, a rapidly expanding market, and a focus on sustainability.

Article By
Sourabh Gupta

Toyota has long taken a cautious approach to fully electric vehicles, choosing instead to focus on hybrid technology. Despite fluctuations in the global EV market, the company has been able to maintain strong sales thanks to this strategy. However, Toyota has now revealed plans to introduce nine new fully electric vehicles in Europe by 2026, marking a significant shift in strategy. This move marks a major step forward for the company as it expands its EV portfolio in a region that has rapidly embraced electric mobility.

A mix of Toyota and Lexus models will make up the lineup of the upcoming electric vehicle lineup. In 2025, Toyota intends to introduce three electric vehicles: the bZ4X, Urban Cruiser, and C-HR+. Three additional models of these vehicles will be released the following year. Additionally, Lexus will contribute to the expansion with the launch of the new RZ SUV, bringing the total number of fully electric vehicles from Toyota and Lexus to nine by the end of 2026.

This strategy has helped Toyota weather shifts in demand that have affected the market as a whole, even though the company has been cautious about going all-in on EVs. Over the past few years, global EV sales have experienced both rapid growth and periods of stagnation. Toyota consistently saw demand for its hybrid lineup, whereas some manufacturers struggled with declining sales of battery-electric vehicles. This consistent performance was especially evident in major markets like the United States, where consumers looking for an efficient and practical alternative to fully electric vehicles continued to favor hybrids.

In its effort to achieve carbon neutrality, Toyota maintains its commitment to a diverse strategy. The company has stated that, depending on the needs of the market and the development of infrastructure, it will adapt its strategy to various regions. Europe, for example, has seen strong EV adoption, with government policies and incentives driving consumer interest in electric vehicles. As a result, it makes sense to launch a number of new electric vehicle models in the region. In contrast, Toyota intends to concentrate on hybrid models as a more viable option in markets where EV penetration remains low, such as South Africa.

Toyota is looking into expanding its electric vehicle offerings in other important markets in addition to Europe. One such market is India, where the company currently does not have a fully electric model available. Instead, Toyota has built a strong presence with its hybrid vehicles, including the Hyryder, Hycross, and the Camry. Customers in India have been pleased with these models, which share hybrid technology with Maruti Suzuki.

Toyota is anticipated to launch its own electric vehicle in the Indian market in the near future, as Maruti Suzuki prepares to enter the all-electric vehicle market with the eVitara. The company’s strategy strikes a delicate balance between responding to consumers’ growing interest in electric vehicles and preserving its strong position in hybrid technology. As the automotive industry moves toward an electric future, Toyota appears to be positioning itself to compete more aggressively in the EV space without abandoning the hybrid models that have been a key part of its success.

Industry observers are keeping a close eye on how this strategy will play out in the years to come as Toyota gets ready to introduce its new electric lineup. Established brands like Tesla, Volkswagen, and Hyundai are leading the charge in the electric vehicle (EV) market in Europe. Toyota’s decision to introduce nine electric models in the region signals that it is ready to compete at a much larger scale than before.

In the meantime, it’s unclear how Toyota’s global EV strategy will change after 2026. The business has stated that it will expand its electric offerings, but it has not completely abandoned hybrid and fuel cell technology. Instead, it is taking a measured approach, introducing EVs in markets where they make the most sense and continuing to develop alternative powertrains for regions where hybrids continue to be preferred by infrastructure and consumer preferences.

As the automotive industry undergoes a transformative shift toward electrification, Toyota’s expanding EV lineup represents a significant evolution in its strategy. The coming years will determine how well the company’s approach positions it in an increasingly competitive market. With Europe serving as a major testing ground for its electric ambitions, the success of Toyota’s new EVs could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the company’s global operations.

Article By
Sourabh Gupta