Tesla Still Weighing India Launch As 100% Import Tariffs Fuel Buyer Anxiety

Tesla remains cautious astir its introduction into nan Indian market, contempt caller moves that propose a motorboat whitethorn beryllium imminent. The electrical carmaker’s main financial officer, Vaibhav Taneja, cited India’s steep 100 percent import tariffs arsenic a cardinal logic for nan delay, stating that nan value effect is making imaginable buyers anxious.

“The aforesaid car which we’re sending is 100 percent much costly than what it is. So that creates a batch of anxiety,” Taneja said during Tesla’s net telephone connected Tuesday. “That’s why we’ve been very observant trying to fig retired erstwhile is nan correct clip [to participate India],” he added, calling India a “very basking market.”

Tesla’s long-held ambitions to waste successful India person been many times stalled by tariff barriers, which CEO Elon Musk has antecedently described arsenic among nan world’s highest. Yet caller developments propose nan institution is preparing to make its long-awaited move.

In March, Tesla imported a Model Y from Germany, pinch a shipment worth of $46,000 (approx. ₹39.2 lakh), according to publically disposable customs data. The institution has besides secured showroom abstraction and listed complete 2 twelve occupation openings successful India successful caller weeks.

Tesla’s concerns person reignited waste and acquisition discussions betwixt New Delhi and Washington. The U.S. is reportedly pushing for zero tariffs connected conveyance imports arsenic Tesla’s India introduction gains traction. However, India is improbable to driblet levies entirely, though it is considering further tariff reductions.

Homegrown automakers specified arsenic Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra person opposed immoderate cuts to import duties, fearing that it could wounded home manufacturing.

Tesla’s India plans appeared to person deed a roadblock past twelvemonth erstwhile Musk abruptly cancelled a planned visit, during which he was expected to denote investments betwixt $2 cardinal (₹17,081 crore) and $3 cardinal (₹25,621 crore), including for a section EV manufacturing facility.

However, Musk precocious confirmed he intends to sojourn India this year, pursuing a speech pinch Prime Minister Narendra Modi connected strengthening practice successful exertion and innovation.

Published on: Apr 25, 2025 6:18 AM IST