By Bronson Jayamanna
New Delhi, India (CWBN)_ On Monday (28 Dec), the Indian transport minister Nitin Gadkari speaking to the Indian Express, revealed that the electric automobile manufacturer would be commencing operations in India, early 2021.
During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the demand for electric cars in the country and said that several Indian firms were also working on electric vehicles that may be more economical but practically as innovative as the Tesla. He went on to say that Tesla would initiate its operations with sales and then may follow up with the assembly and production of the automobiles in India itself. However, this would be based on the responses of the initial sales. He added that “India is going to become a number 1 manufacturing hub for auto in five years”.
India has been eager to minimize its reliance on oil and to reduce emissions. Still, its attempts to support electric cars have indeed been stifled by a lack of funding in production and facilities, including charging stations.
Back in October, while responding to a tweet questioning the progress of Tesla in India, Elon Musk, CEO, had indicated that the company would be coming to India by 2021. This news urged Maharashtra’s government to welcome Tesla to their state, which helped raise shares of the electric automobile manufacturer by 2% in the pre-market trade.
According to a report released on Saturday by the Economic Times, the first variant to be launched will be Model 3. This will be the least expensive among Tesla cars, with prices beginning at more than $74,739 (5.5 million Indian rupees). The report went on to say that the sales will happen only in the second half of the year and these will be imported units.
On Sunday, while replying to a tweet, Elon Musk confirmed that Telsa would be stepping into India by 2021. However, he noted that this would not occur during the first month of the year. Reuters could not reach Tesla and the Minister’s office for any further comments.
