Currently, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is very popular in India. Several Indian states invited the billionaire to come up with different types of units for their electric vehicles in their respective regions.
So far, two states have made an offer, namely Maharashtra and Telangana. In a tweet to Musk, Maharashtra Water Minister Jayant Patil said, “Maharashtra is one of the most progressive states in India. We will provide you with all the assistance you need from Maharashtra to get you settled in India. “We invite you to open a factory in Maharashtra.”
January 13, Musk revealed that the electric car maker is facing "many challenges" when launching its car in India. “Still working on a lot of issues with the government,” Musk tweeted.
Twitters responded to Musk that Telangana is a champion in sustainable development initiatives and its government would be happy to work with Tesla to address the issues.
Tesla wants to start selling imported cars in India this year, but the country has some of the highest taxes in the world.
With a global price of $39,990, the Tesla Model 3 may remain an affordable model in the US, but with import duties, it will no longer be available in the Indian market.
India currently imposes a 100% tax on imported vehicles, including insurance and shipping costs, and vehicles under $40,000 are subject to a 60% import tax.
Meanwhile, on Twitter, many prominent figures in India, including actors, journalists and industry leaders, have supported the idea of EV in India.
“Elon Musk, come to Hyderabad – to India! It will be epic to have you. The government here in Telangana is amazing too,” actor Vijay Devarakonda tweeted.
