Tesla, the EV brand known for leading the global charge for electric mobility, is still optimistic about its India entry plans. Tesla co-founder Elon Musk has been quite vocal about his plans for introducing new technologies for what he refers to as sustainable progress for mankind.
In response to a tweet that asked about Tesla’ much-delayed India entry, Musk replied saying, "Would love to be there this year. If not, definitely next!” Our sister publication Autocar Professional had revealed Tesla’s plans to enter the India market five years ago, when the company's former CIO, Jayaprakash Vijayan came to New Delhi with plans to set up a distribution network and also an affordable EV. It is another thing that nothing much materalised due to India’s taxation policy and high import costs.
This is not the first time, Musk has been asked about his plans for the country. In fact, June 2017 saw , in fact, in June 2017, Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra had invited Tesla to set up a base in the country.
The tweet that confirmed Tesla’s India launch on March 14 was followed by Musk saying that the company was in discussion with the Indian government on temporary relief on import duties, till the organisation starts local manufacturing to bring down the cost.
Given the Indian's government's increased focus on electric mobility and with the recent FAME II scheme, which has an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore and puts emphasis on domestic manufacturing, it looks like Tesla may be seriously relooking at its India plans. Stay tuned.