Delhi air quality hits hazardous levels as experts push for EVs and cleaner fuels shift

Delhi’s air quality has plunged to hazardous levels with several areas recording Air Quality Index (AQI) readings above 450 as winter begins. Vehicular emissions now contribute more than 40% of local particulate pollution, making transport the biggest source of the city’s PM2.5 emissions.Delhi continues to add nearly 1,800 vehicles to its roads every day, further worsening the toxic air.
Experts warn that the growing dependence on private vehicles and the slow transition to cleaner mobility systems are undermining previous pollution-control efforts. They stress an urgent need for a shift to electric vehicles (EVs), clean fuels and better public transport.
Akshit Bansal, Founder and CEO of Statiq, said, “Urban cities like Delhi are struggling with a pollution challenge, with vehicles being a primary contributor, accounting for greater than 40% of the overall pollution. This is a major problem affecting the entire industry and impacting the lives of millions every day.”He added that “the key to mass adoption lies in achieving price parity” so EVs can compete with petrol and diesel vehicles. He urged collaboration on charging infrastructure, incentives and awareness to accelerate “a cleaner and greener transport future.”

Suyash Gupta, Director General of the Indian Auto LPG Coalition, said, “Delhi faces a serious challenge with rising air pollution, particularly during the winter months, when smog poses severe health risks.”

He described Auto LPG as “the most practical, affordable, and ready solution for urban transport” that can cut emissions and reduce running costs.

Gupta highlighted that converting existing vehicles to LPG can lower lifetime emissions without burdening owners, noting India already has almost 1,500 Auto LPG stations supporting expansion.

Investors are also turning focus toward clean mobility technologies. Jeet Chandan, Managing Director of BizDateUp, said, “As Delhi struggles once again with poor air quality, the conversation around clean mobility is becoming central to both policy and investment discussions.”

He said EVs are now seen as a high-growth climate-tech opportunity, adding that “nearly 60% of our portfolio is rooted in this ecosystem.”

With pollution at dangerous levels, environmental experts say coordinated action from policymakers, industries and citizens is essential.