DERC Reduces Charging Rates for EV in Delhi, Aims to Promote Adoption of E-Mobility

With an aim to achieve pollution-free transportation, Delhi Electricity Regularity Commission (DERC) has announced that it has reduced the rates for charging stations of e-rickshaws and other electric vehicles. Low-tension e-vehicle users (those who charge at home) will pay Rs 4.5 per kW instead of Rs 5.5, while high-tension users (at public charging stations) will pay Rs 4 instead of Rs 5 per kW.

"The tariff for high tension e-vehicle users is lower because more losses are incurred while charging at low-tension stations. The idea is to encourage people to switch to electric vehicles," a DERC official said.

In 2018, a draft Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy was launched with an objective to guarantee adoption of 25% e-vehicles among new registrations by 2023. Through this policy, Delhi government has planned to create a substantial corpus to incentivize every vehicle segment. An electric vehicle will lead to savings of over eight tonnes of CO2 yearly.