Tesla Gears up for India Debut as Four Models Approved

Tesla is gearing up to launch in India, as four models of the electric car maker have reportedly been approved in the country, though the country’s high tax regime may be another roadblock. According to reports coming through, Tesla has received approval from the Indian authorities to make or import four models in the country, and it also has been verified from the government’s motor vehicle portal, Homologation Vahan Seva.

“The tests ensure that the vehicle matches the requirements of the Indian market in terms of emission and safety and road-worthiness as per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules,” the website says.

Earlier yesterday, media reports suggested that Tesla had tied up with three Indian auto components suppliers to make parts like windshields, sub-assemblies, instrument panels, and other items from companies like Sona Comstar, Sandhar Technologies, and Bharat Forge.

Earlier in July, Tesla’s chief executive officer Elon Musk had said that the company is willing to set up a factory in India if the response to its electric cars is good.

Tesla is reportedly testing the Model 3 in India – the company’s entry-level car has been spotted in camouflage in Maharashtra. Tesla has also registered its India unit under the name of Tesla India Motors, in Karnataka, according to a filing with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

There are reports that suggest that the four vehicles approved by the authorities could be two variants of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, but there’s no official confirmation in this regard yet. When these Tesla electric cars launch in India, they will compete with the likes of the Tata Nexon EV and Tigor EV, apart from the Audi e-Tron, the MG ZS EV, and others from companies like Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and more.