Tech giant Tesla launched India’s first EV charging facility at Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), just weeks after officially entering the Indian market
with the opening of its first showroom. Located at Maker Maxity Mall, the Tesla showroom set a buzz in the city on June 15, with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde seen taking a test drive of the Tesla Model Y. Tesla aims to establish a strong presence for its premium electric vehicles in one of the world’s fastest-growing automobile markets. Initially, Tesla showed little interest in the Indian market due to high tariffs. However, the situation changed after the government announced a new EV policy that significantly reduced import duties and offered various incentives to attract global EV manufacturers. This paved the way for Tesla to choose BKC in Mumbai for its India debut.
Manufacturing Wasn't The Idea
At first, Tesla was not interested in manufacturing in India; instead, they were looking at opening showrooms here, Union Minister for Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, had said.Also Read: Oops! Mumbai's Goregaon Flyover to Be Demolished and Rebuilt - WHAT and WHY?
Earlier, there were reports that Tesla was interested in importing Tesla cars into India and subsequently selling them through their showrooms in India. But Tesla has been tight-lipped all through on its India operations.
Tesla Hiring Process in India Sparked Speculations
Early this year, Tesla Inc. officially began its hiring process in India, marking a significant step towards its long-anticipated entry into the domestic market. While Tesla had not provided an official timeline for its India launch, its active hiring had suggested that preparations were in full swing.Tesla boss Elon Musk had in past indicated that he was interested in investing in India, but "high import duty" structures were a bone of contention.
In April this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Tesla CEO Elon Musk and discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the technology and innovation sectors. PM Modi had also met Musk this February in the US.
(With Inputs from ANI)
