Tesla considering importing EVs to India from China - Report

Electric vehicle market in India seems to have been pulling a lot of attention from the major players abroad. Though the country is far from ready for them, slow and steady steps are been taken in the same direction. With a number of local EV companies sprouting out across various corners in the country. India seems to have gathered attention of one of the major EV makers, Tesla lately. As per a Business World report, Tesla Motors is now eyeing India and plans to import its China-made cars to the country.

The government's Make-in-India plans couldn't motivate Tesla to set up a local manufacturing facility, but the company is still planning to make an entry into the market. It's a long shot, but initially, several models may also be imported from Tesla's home facility in the USA. Considering exorbitant taxes, prohibitive logistics costs and long delivery periods may push Tesla to introduce Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV in India only by the next 2-3 years. However, the company is yet to take a final call on this decision as importing CBUs from China has its own set of complications.

Elon Musk, CEO, Tesla, has even mentioned in a tweet previously that he would love to enter the Indian market quoting "Would love to be in India. Some challenging government regulations, unfortunately."

In other recent updates. Tesla Motors has commenced orders in China for the lower-priced version of its Model 3 EV. This will also feature Tesla's Autopilot assisted driving function. Also officially confirmed is that its standard range model will start from 3,77,000 yuan ($56,167 / INR 3987171.76) making it the most affordable version of the car in China.

Also Read: Tesla Model 3 - Motorshow Focus

Tesla is working on the so-called Gigafactory 3 which is spread over 86 hectares (210 acres) in Shanghai, China. It is currently under construction and the company has invested $2 billion funding on the same. It will churn out battery cells along with initial 2,50,000 EV units annually for the Chinese market. In the Phase 1, Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y cars will be produced at the factory. The Phase 2 may double up the production to 5,00,000 annual units.

[Source: Business World]