Delhi is set to roll out Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, which will include a battery recycling framework to manage the growing number of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. With EV adoption rising rapidly—11.6% of vehicles in Delhi in FY 2024-25—the city could face up to 50,000 tonnes of battery waste annually by 2030.
The policy will establish collection networks, recycling facilities, and regulatory oversight, with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) serving as the nodal authority. Manufacturers and other responsible parties will be required to follow the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) measures.
Implementing these rules will not be simple. A large portion of battery waste around 90% is currently handled by the informal sector using unsafe methods. This sector employs millions but often ignores environmental and safety standards. Governance challenges have also surfaced; in September 2024, a DPCC engineer was arrested over alleged bribery related to pollution clearances.
Recycling lithium-ion batteries is technically and economically demanding. Basic facilities require investments of ₹7–30 crore, with mid-scale and advanced plants costing even more. Recovery rates for lithium and cobalt are still lower than older battery types, making recycling less profitable without government incentives.
Delhi’s policy will aim to formalize recycling, encourage investment, and integrate battery-swapping infrastructure. It may also include incentives for EV adoption, such as exemptions on registration fees and road tax. The success of the program will depend on effective regulation, investment in technology, and bringing informal players into a formal system, ensuring both environmental safety and the sustainable growth of Delhi’s EV sector.
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