Is Tesla planning to launch its first product – the Model-3 in India, this festive season! Well, two Model-3 electric vehicles of Tesla have been spotted on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway recently. This has triggered hope of its arrival as the country approaches the festive season. On Tuesday (August 16), the unofficial Tesla Club India handle tweeted two images of camouflaged Model-3 test cars.
The entry of Tesla cars has been delayed due to the import duty war between Elon Musk and the Indian government. While Tesla has hired top executives in the country who took charge of some of its operations in the country, the Elon Musk-run company is waiting for the Indian government’s decision to cut duties on the imported electric cars in India. Currently, India levies 100 per cent tax on the imported cars of price more than $40,000 (Rs 30 lakh).
As per reports, the entry-level Model 3 is likely to get a price tag of around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom), becoming the most expensive electric sedan in India on its launch. According to industry experts, import duties on fully imported cars to India are a great concern for the CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk. Reports suggest that Tesla has urged India to reduce import duties and the government is currently looking into options to reduce the import duties on electric vehicles.