Only EVs and CNG Vehicles Will Be Allowed In The Capital From November 27

Update: Cabinet Minister, Kailash Gahlot has clarified that this ban is only for trucks carrying non essential goods. There's no issues for private-owned vehicles entering or exiting Delhi. 

This is to clarify that there will be no ban on the entry of any private owned vehicles in Delhi. However, restrictions apply to entry of trucks carrying non essential goods.

— Kailash Gahlot (@kgahlot) November 25, 2021

The air pollution crisis has been plaguing Delhi for quite some time, with air quality reaching dangerous levels. In an effort to improve air quality, the Delhi government has decided to allow only CNG and electric vehicles into the city from November 27 onwards.  

This bold announcement means that petrol and diesel will not be permitted into the city. But fret not, as the order will only stay in place till December 3. But do keep in mind, that its not clear whether this ban affects all petrol and diesel cars, or if private vehicles and taxis are exempted from this. Expect more clartity on this as it's a developing news. 

India’s CNG lineup is  largely dominated by Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai with models such as the Santro, Grand i10 Nios, Wagon R, Alto, S-Presso, and Ertiga. The all-electric segment is also quickly evolving with mass market models such as the Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV, as well as luxury models including the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi e-tron, Audi e-tron GT, Porsche Taycan, and the Jaguar I-Pace..

At face value, it may seem like an extreme (albeit temporary) step by the Delhi government to help improve air quality, but the pollution crisis has been affecting the capital for many years now, during which many such methods have been considered. That said, it is yet to be seen how effective this method will turn out to be. Though if it does make a difference, expect more of these ICE ‘lockdowns’ to be declared from time to time.