India awaits Musk’s response as Centre clears road for Tesla’s entry

Updated: Mar 16th, 2024

Source: IANS

Tesla lovers in the country are anxiously waiting for the first response from Elon Musk after the government approved a new electric vehicle (EV) policy that is designed to attract investments in the EV space by global manufacturers like the Musk-run electric car company.

It was in 2015 when PM Narendra Modi visited Tesla headquarters in Palo Alto, California and met the billionaire who gave the PM a tour of the company’s electric car plant.

In later years, the billionaire sought customs duty to be lowered so that he could bring Tesla vehicles to the country.

Presently, customs duty on cars imported as completely built units (CBUs) varies from 60-100%, depending on their cost.

In the new policy, the government has reduced the customs duty to 15%, with certain riders.

“The customs duty of 15% (as applicable to completely knocked down or CKD units) would be applicable on the vehicle of minimum value of $35,000 and above for a total period of five years subject to the manufacturer setting up manufacturing facilities in India within a 3-year period,” according to the government.

This now paves the way for Musk to enter the Indian market.

Last year, PM Modi met Musk in the US and appreciated his efforts at making technology accessible and affordable in various sectors.

The PM invited Musk to explore opportunities in India for investments in electric mobility and the rapidly expanding commercial space sector.

After hearing PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ pitch, the Tesla CEO announced that his electric vehicle and battery company will come to the country “as soon as it is humanly possible”.

“He (PM Modi) really cares about India because he’s pushing us to make significant investments in India, which is something that we intend to do and we’re just trying to figure out the right timing,” said the billionaire.

In the new EV scheme, the government mentioned that a minimum investment of ₹4,150 crore (about $500 million) will be needed to set up manufacturing facilities and production started within three years and reach 25% DVA (domestic value addition) by three years and 50% DVA within 5 years at the maximum.

India’s EV market has the potential to achieve over 40% penetration with $100bn revenue by 2030.

(Source: IANS)

-Edited for style

Also read:

Nitin Gadkari closes door for driverless cars in India; Complications for Tesla

Sanand most likely to get India’s first Tesla manufacturing unit

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