Full Tax Waivers Proposed For Cars Under ₹30 Lakh in Delhi EV Policy Draft

The Delhi government unveiled the draft for its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0, introducing significant fiscal incentives aimed at accelerating the transition to clean mobility. A key highlight of the proposal is the 100% waiver of road tax and registration fees for electric cars priced under ₹30 lakh, reported NDTV. Additionally, the draft breaks new ground by offering a 50% waiver on these taxes for strong hybrid vehicles, recognising that these can play a big role in reducing emissions.

The policy also shifts focus toward charging infrastructure, proposing subsidised electricity rates for private charging points and incentives for high-speed charging hubs. For two-wheelers, the government plans to continue purchase subsidies while introducing a scrapping bonus to encourage the retirement of older internal combustion engine vehicles. These measures are designed to sustain the momentum of the previous policy phase, aiming to make electric vehicles more accessible to middle-income buyers and further curb the capital’s air pollution.

India’s Data Centre Capacity Set to Surge to 5 GW by 2030

India’s data centre sector is projected to experience exponential growth, with capacity expected to reach 5 GW by 2030, according to a new report by Vestian. This represents a significant leap from the current operational capacity of approximately 1.4–1.6 GW, reported ET Energy World. Driven by rapid AI adoption and enterprise digital transformation, the market valuation is forecasted to rise from $10 billion in 2025 to $22 billion by the end of the decade.

The expansion is supported by nearly $30 billion in cumulative investment commitments slated for completion by 2026. India holds a structural edge over mature markets like Japan and Singapore due to lower construction costs, favorable policy incentives, including tax exemptions and single-window clearances. Currently, Mumbai dominates the landscape with a 49% market share, followed by Chennai. While the focus remains on hyperscale cloud deployments, the rise of generative AI is further intensifying demand for high-capacity infrastructure across the country.

India Plans $3.8 Billion Battery Manufacturing Push

The Indian government is preparing a massive $3.8 billion (₹32,000 crore) incentive package to bolster domestic battery manufacturing and secure its energy supply chain, reported Moneycontrol. A central pillar of this strategy is the introduction of an ‘Approved List of Models and Manufacturers’ (ALMM) for batteries, similar to the existing framework for the solar sector. This move is designed to create a battery moat by ensuring that only high-quality, locally produced or vetted components are used in government-supported projects.

The initiative seeks to reduce India’s heavy reliance on imports, particularly from China, as the country scales up its EV adoption and grid-scale storage capacity. By providing financial boosters and implementing strict quality standards, the policy aims to attract global manufacturers to set up gigafactories within India. Officials believe this integrated approach will not only stabilise the domestic supply chain but also position India as a competitive global hub for battery exports.

Europe Sees Surge in EV Interest as West Asia Conflict Spikes Fuel Costs

A sharp rise in European fuel prices following the outbreak of war in Iran has triggered an unprecedented surge in EV inquiries. Online marketplaces in the UK, Germany, France, and Spain reported significant spikes in EV interest, reported The Guardian. France’s La Centrale saw searches jump by 160% between early March and April. In Germany, where diesel prices reached €2.50 per litre, the platform Mobile.de noted a 50% increase in inquiries.

The shift is attributed to consumers’ growing sensitivity to the total cost of ownership as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global oil supplies. While experts debate if this trend will be permanent, industry data suggests a new, higher normal for EV demand. In the UK, battery electric registrations hit a record high in March, up 24.2% year-on-year, as buyers increasingly seek to shield themselves from volatile energy markets.

China’s EV Exports Hit Record High Amid Global Energy Crisis

China’s exports of electric and hybrid vehicles surged to a record 349,000 units in March, reported Bloomberg. This was a 140% year-on-year increase fuelled by the global energy shock from the war in Iran. As the closure of the Strait of Hormuz drives international fuel prices to record levels, consumers are increasingly turning to greener alternatives to avoid volatility at the pump.

Industry leader BYD accounted for nearly one-third of these shipments, while other major players like Geely and Chery also reported significant gains. Analysts have compared this shift to the 1970s oil crisis, which similarly fast-tracked the global adoption of fuel-efficient Japanese cars. While domestic sales in China remain sluggish due to reduced subsidies, the export boom has solidified the country’s dominance in the global clean-tech supply chain. Investments in battery technology and infrastructure have positioned Chinese manufacturers to capitalise on this urgent restructuring of the global energy order.

OpenAI Pauses Plans For UK Data Center Amid Energy Concerns

OpenAI has reportedly suspended its ambitious plans to develop a flagship data center in the UK, citing concerns over high energy costs and regulatory hurdles, according to the BBC. The project, which was expected to be a cornerstone of the company’s infrastructure in Europe, aimed to provide the massive computing power necessary for advanced artificial intelligence models.

Industry analysts suggest that the decision highlights the growing tension between the soaring energy demands of AI data centers and the UK’s current grid capacity and pricing. Despite the government’s efforts to position the UK as a global AI hub, the high cost of electricity and the complexity of securing planning permissions for large-scale digital infrastructure remain significant deterrents for major tech firms. While OpenAI has not officially canceled the project, this is a blow to the UK’s immediate aspirations to lead in sovereign AI infrastructure, potentially shifting focus toward more cost-efficient regions.

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