Delhi to soon convert fossil fuel-based vehicles into EVs

NEW DELHI: Good news for Delhiites!

Vehicle owners in Delhi would soon get an option to convert their old diesel and petrol vehicles into electric vehicles. Transport Department, Government of NCT of Delhi has begun the registration procedure for centres that refit outdated diesel and gasoline vehicles with electric kits.

An official from the transport department said that ten electric kit makers have been enlisted to convert outdated petrol and diesel vehicles into electric that can’t drive on city roads. Electric kit installers must be approved by the kit maker or supplier to install the kit on their behalf, according to the requirements.

The rules stated that the installation should have trained technicians and the supplier should provide thorough training to the professionals. The installer must keep a record of vehicles equipped with electric kits and make it available to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, when requested. The installer is expected to conduct a vehicle fitness test at least once a year and keep track of the criteria that were audited. Furthermore, they should evaluate the vehicle’s suitability for kit installation, explain the situation to the owner, and obtain their written consent.

The Transport Department’s retrofitters have been approved by the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), major testing, certification, and research & development organisation. According to official estimates, the city has roughly 1.5 lakh diesel automobiles that are over ten years old. Number of petrol vehicles over 15 years old is substantially higher (more than 28 lakh). The Government of NCT of Delhi will deregister all diesel vehicles over 10 years old on January 1, 2022, in accordance with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order, and grant no-objection certificates (NOC) to such vehicles to be re-registered in other states. The NGT has issued orders restricting the registration and use of diesel cars over the age of ten years and petrol vehicles over the age of fifteen years in Delhi NCR.

Retrofitting outdated diesel and petrol automobiles and four-wheelers costs between 3-5 lakh, according to automotive specialists, depending on battery capacity and range. According to them, the cost of retrofitting two and three-wheelers varies based on the type of battery and the manufacturer.