Tesla Expands Presence in India with Job Openings, marking a significant step towards increasing electric vehicle adoption in the country.
Following the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the electric car manufacturer has announced job openings for 13 roles in India. The positions, ranging from consumer engagement to store manager jobs, were posted on Tesla’s LinkedIn page.
Tesla, Inc. announced its plans to enter the Indian market in 2020, with an initial investment of $1 billion.
The company has been scouting for locations to set up its manufacturing plant and has shortlisted several sites near Bengaluru and Chennai.
Tesla's entry into India is expected to boost the country's electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, which currently accounts for less than 1% of total vehicle sales.
With a growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, 'sustainable energy solutions' is seen as a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions.
The majority of the jobs are available in Mumbai, while five positions are open for candidates based in either Mumbai or New Delhi. This development comes after Modi’s visit to the US, where he met with Musk and discussed ‘space, mobility, technology, and innovation‘.
Tesla’s Growing Interest in India
Prior to this announcement, Tesla had a minor presence in India but was deterred by high import duties. However, the recent reduction of taxes on high-end cars priced above $40,000 from 110% to 70% could be the reason for Tesla’s renewed interest in the country. This tax reduction is likely due to the threat of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US.
India’s Electric Vehicle Market
While India is not a significant market for electric vehicles yet, with only 100,000 units sold last year compared to 11 million in China, there has been growing interest in EVs in the country. Tesla had previously set up sales infrastructure in India since 2021 but was hesitant due to high tariffs.
Potential Manufacturing Plans
It is unclear whether Tesla plans to establish manufacturing plants in India. However, Musk has been seeking opportunities in the country for some time and has reportedly been scouting for factory and showroom locations in India. Additionally, he plans to launch his satellite internet service Starlink in India.
The development of Tesla’s presence in India could be a significant step towards increasing electric vehicle adoption in the country.
