Tesla not keen on making in India, says Kumaraswamy

Mercedes-Benz, Skoda-VW, Hyundai in talks with parent firms to participate in EV scheme

- Manas Pimpalkhare & Swarnali Mukherjee

American billionaire Elon Musk's Tesla Inc has not shown interest in making in India under the government's scheme to promote the manufacturing of electric passenger cars in India (SPMEPCI), Union minister of heavy industries and steel H.D. Kumaraswamy said on Monday.

However, other foreign automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, Skoda-Volkswagen, Hyundai and Kia have expressed interest in making electric vehicles (EVs) in India, Kumaraswamy said at a press conference in New Delhi.

The minister said that these automakers are in discussions with their global parent companies about investing in India's EV manufacturing drive.

"Tesla, actually, we have not expected from them. They are looking only to start two showrooms. They are not interested in manufacturing in India," Kumaraswamy said.

A senior government official echoed the minister: "As of today, this is the information that is with us. The real intent we will know when we open the application, if the company (Tesla) still feels like investing."

What minister sir is telling is what people have come and told, informal info.

Announced in March 2024, the SPMEPCI scheme aims to attract foreign EV makers to set up manufacturing units in India, by reducing the customs duty on completely built-up (CBU) units worth at least $35,000 to 15% from 70%.