SIAM urges Delhi govt to reconsider proposed 2028 ICE 2-wheeler ban

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has urged the Delhi government to reconsider its proposal to stop registrations of new petrol-powered two-wheelers from April 2028, arguing that the move would have a limited impact on air quality and hurt consumers dependent on such vehicles for daily mobility.

1. SIAM says modern BS6 two-wheelers emit very low particulate matter
2. Banning two-wheelers will not improve air quality, claims the association
3. As per SIAM, BS4 models older than 10-15 years account for 99.5 percent of emissions
4. Restricting sales of BS6-compliant two-wheelers could result in “customer distress”, it warns

SIAM seeks reconsideration of ICE 2-wheeler ban in India

It recommends a customer-centric policy that supports multiple low-emission technologies, not just EVs.

In a letter to Delhi’s transport minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, the industry body sought reconsideration of Clause 8.2.1 of the draft Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy, which proposes that only electric two-wheelers be allowed for new registrations in the national capital territory from April 1, 2028.

SIAM said modern Bharat Stage VI (BS6)-compliant two-wheelers sold after April 2020 already emit very low particulate matter emissions due to the use of electronic port fuel-injection systems and three-way catalytic converters.

“Banning their registration will not improve air quality in Delhi,” the association said in the letter, adding that particulate matter emissions largely come from much older vehicles.

According to SIAM, pre-BS4 two-wheelers more than 10 to 15 years old account for close to 99.5 percent of particulate matter emissions from the segment in Delhi. “Removing them from the streets will help improve air quality,” SIAM said, adding that the draft policy should focus on phasing out older polluting vehicles instead of restricting registrations of modern BS6 models.

The proposed restriction on petrol two-wheelers “will neither help improve air quality nor is it practically feasible”, the association remarked. It also raised concerns about the readiness of electric two-wheelers for certain categories of users, particularly commercial and high-usage customers.

“For high-demand users such as delivery workers or long-distance commuters, current EV technology cannot yet match the price, range and load-bearing capability of ICE vehicles,” SIAM said.

It added that these use cases account for around 65 percent of all two-wheeler sales in both Delhi and the broader Indian market while warning that restricting sales of BS6-compliant two-wheelers could result in “customer distress”.

SIAM said it supports the Delhi government’s efforts to encourage electric mobility and backs the incentives proposed under the draft policy, but it also urged long-term certainty regarding the continuation of EV incentives “without interruption” to help sustain consumer demand.

The industry body recommended what it described as a “customer-centric policy” that supports multiple low-emission technologies rather than focusing only on battery-electric vehicles.

SIAM said cleaner alternatives such as flex-fuel vehicles, compressed biogas and compressed natural gas should also be promoted as part of a broader green mobility strategy. “Policy should enable all green technologies, avoiding an unsustainable burden on the government exchequer.”

The Delhi government is yet to finalise the EV policy, and consultations with industry stakeholders are ongoing.