Tesla Motors needs no introduction at the moment, not only because of its founder and CEO, Elon Musk but also because of the work they are doing with electric vehicles and their technology.
According to Electrek, Tesla has 75% of the EV market share in the US during the first quarter of 2022 (January to March). So it’s simple, Tesla Motors is completely disrupting the electric four vehicle market globally.
But there is bad news for the Indian EV enthusiast, yes! You guessed it right! Tesla is leaving India and as a result, a report says, Tesla has vacated its Indian office.
Recently, the company came into the limelight when sources claimed that Tesla is trying to exit India. Following that information, money market people, investors, and many EV Enthusiasts are now trying to find out the main reason behind Tesla’s exit from India.
Officials argued that it was not viable for Tesla to do business in India under the current import duty structure as it would make its electric cars unaffordable for the Indian user.
After this information, now everyone has started giving their own views and ideas as to why Tesla pulling back their footprints from India.
Table of Contents
Reasons why Tesla Exited from India
1. High import duty hits Tesla
On January 17, Elon Musk made a tweet in response to an Indian user who asked him about the Tesla EV in the Indian market. In response to the tweet, he said that he would like to work with the Government of India, but due to the heavy-duty taxes and unresponsive behavior of the Government of India, he is not able to work with the Government of India.
And in response, the Indian government was adamant at one point not to offer tax exemptions for Tesla cars after several talks.
and This is one of the main reasons for tesla’s Exit from India.
Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways of India, said “My suggestion to Elon Musk is that he will get a good market in India. The Indian market is very huge so it is a win-win situation for both. All vendors available in China are also here, be it for spare parts or for any other things at comparable quality from Indian manufacturers.”
“If he will make here in India, he will save in India, and get good profits. I will request him to come to India and start manufacturing,” he added.
2. Unaffordable pricing of Tesla cars in India
Due to heavy taxation or heavy duty from the Indian government, it is very difficult for Indian users to buy Tesla Cars in India. India has a huge market for affordable EVs, but for Tesla, that’s probably impossible.
And that is directly or indirectly hurting the market of Tesla Motors in the Indian market and now it is allowing all other companies in India to capture the market electric Four wheeler market.
Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s base electric car model, which costs around Rs 60 lakh in India and hence is not economical for Indian buyers. This is also said to be one of the main reasons for Tesla’s exit from India.
3. Tesla wants to focus more on the European market
Many sources have also claimed that because European countries have a huge market in today’s time. The Indian market is still very low in comparison to this market due to the less awareness of electric vehicles.
So perhaps the company wants to focus more on the European market than the Indian market.
4. Elon Doesn’t Want To Set Up A Local Manufacturing Plant In India
This also is one of the main reasons for Tesla’s exit from India as the company’s CEO, Elon Musk, is unwilling to set up a local manufacturing plant in India. he’s planning to import the pre-built vehicle from a Chinese factory and sell it in India.
And in response, Minister of Road Transport & Highways of India, Mr. Nitin Gadkari says, “Tesla should not import cars from China and sell in India, for Tesla to set up a manufacturing plant in India and expand its footprint in India.” it is necessary to do.
5. Other reasons:-
There could be some other reason that Elon Musk wants to tell the Indian government that if you are not giving me tax exemption then I am not willing to work in India.
Surely, this news is very shocking to the Indian government and EV enthusiasts as it would be great to have Tesla in the country and get an experience of their technology.
Indian Govt, must encourage local car mfgrs to make it in india.
You should have stated all taxes details indian govt levied on tesla. People then will get a clarity on how much taxes does tesla needs to pay to sell their cars in India. Ofcourse, if i being Elon Musk, never do business in India if a INR 35 lacs worth of a car will be available for Indians at 60-65 lacs post taxations. Thats the reason for many companies like Ford, Chevy to take an exit from Indian market
No regrets , Indian EV Manufacturing should be given maximum support from Government of India and discourage CKD / CBU EV imports from all other countries . Mr.Nitin Gadkari is right in his approach . It may take time but will soon catch up . Tesla main reason to set up in China due to th thier excellent ecosystem and support in terms of Chips and Lithium raw material for battery manufacturing . India EV must find alternatives to Li for Batter manufacturing