Tesla CEO Musk expects ‘temporary relief’ on import duty for EVs in India

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Tesla may set up a manufacturing unit in India if it first succeeds with imported vehicles in the country, according to CEO Elon Musk. He, however, said at present import duties in India are the highest in the world and is hoping for at least a temporary tariff relief for electric vehicles.

Interacting on Twitter with followers Musk said, “We want to do so, but import duties are the highest in the world by far of any large country!” Musk further said, “Clean energy vehicles are treated the same as diesel or petrol, which does not seem entirely consistent with the climate goals of India.”

He, however, said, “We are hopeful that there will be at least a temporary tariff relief for electric vehicles. That would be much appreciated.”

“If Tesla is able to succeed with imported vehicles, then a factory in India is quite likely,” Musk said.

We want to do so, but import duties are the highest in the world by far of any large country!

Moreover, clean energy vehicles are treated the same as diesel or petrol, which does not seem entirely consistent with the climate goals of India.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 23, 2021