Tesla seeks reduction in import duties on electric vehicles in India

PTI, Jul 24, 2021, 11:23 AM IST

US-based electric car major Tesla has demanded a reduction in import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) in India, a senior government official said on Friday.

At present, cars imported as completely built units (CBUs) attract customs duty ranging from 60 per cent to 100 per cent, depending on engine size and cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value less or above USD 40,000.

“Actually it’s a revenue matter. But yes, their demand for lower tariffs is in the public domain,” the official said on the condition of anonymity.

Recently, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had said Tesla has a golden opportunity to set up its manufacturing facility in India given the country’s thrust on e-vehicles.

Tesla is already sourcing various auto components from Indian automakers and setting up base here would be economically viable for it, the road transport and highways minister had said.

Gadkari had also exuded confidence that given the improvement in Indian products, within two years India would be capable of producing e-vehicles of Tesla’s standard.

He had also said Tesla can make industrial clusters and create and develop its own vendors here.