Tesla has officially commenced its hiring process in India, signaling the electric vehicle giant’s long-anticipated entry into the country’s burgeoning EV market. This development follows a crucial meeting between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the United States, solidifying plans that had been under consideration for several years.
Hiring Spree Signals Market Entry:
Recent LinkedIn job postings reveal that Tesla is seeking candidates for 13 positions across Mumbai and Delhi. These roles span a variety of functions, encompassing both customer-facing and back-end operations. Available positions include service technicians, advisors, customer engagement managers, and delivery operations specialists. The fact that many of these positions require on-site presence indicates Tesla’s commitment to establishing a direct and substantial footprint in the Indian market.
The hiring spree suggests Tesla is actively preparing for retail sales in India this year. The company has also been scouting for showroom locations in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. This move marks a significant step towards realizing Tesla’s ambitions in India, where it aims to capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles.
Changes in Policy Open the Way:
Tesla’s entry into India has been a long time coming, with the automaker previously lobbying for lower import duties and policy incentives. High import duties had long been a deterrent for Tesla, but recent government policy changes have made the Indian market more appealing.
The Indian government recently introduced tax reductions aimed at attracting global automakers and boosting EV adoption. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a reduction in import tariffs on high-end cars priced above $40,000, lowering them from 125% to 70%. Additionally, basic customs duties on lithium-ion batteries used in EVs have been scrapped, a move aimed at reducing production costs and encouraging local manufacturing. The government is also promoting cleaner energy and providing incentives for EV adoption.
Affordable Models on the Horizon:
Tesla is also expected to introduce a more affordable EV model in India. While the Model 3, its cheapest offering in the U.S., is priced around $30,000, Tesla is set to launch a new model priced under $25,000 in the U.S. by June. Industry insiders suggest this could be the first model introduced in the Indian market.
Currently, Tesla’s lineup includes five models—the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, and the Cybertruck. For India, the company is likely to introduce the Model 3 and Model Y first. The latest iteration of the Model 3 offers a maximum range of 614 km on a single charge, while the Model Y can travel up to 542 km.
Overcoming Past Hurdles:
Tesla’s efforts to establish a foothold in India have faced multiple delays over the years, with setbacks including stalled negotiations and postponed meetings. In December, Musk revealed that Starlink’s satellite internet services were non-operational in India.
Despite these challenges, Tesla’s renewed commitment to the Indian market is evident in its recent hiring activity. With the government’s support and policy changes, Tesla is now poised to make a significant impact on India’s EV landscape.
India’s EV sector is still small compared to China’s, but Tesla sees growth potential as the government promotes cleaner energy. Tesla’s hiring activity suggests the company is setting up operations in India even as there is no official confirmation on when it will start selling vehicles. Analysts believe Tesla may begin by importing cars before deciding on local manufacturing, depending on demand and government support.
