Tesla is all set to make its debut in India in July in Mumbai. Elon Musk-led electric automobile company will first sell the Model Y SUV, which will be directly imported from Shanghai, China. The US company has kept a tight lip on whether it will set up a manufacturing plant here in India or will continue bringing EVs from its other facilities around the world. At the launch of a portal that will enable foreign electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to submit their applications to manufacture EVs in India, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy said that Tesla is only keen on selling their cars in India and at the moment, has no plans in setting up a manufacturing.

Tesla to drive into India with imported EVs

The Ministry for Heavy Industries (MHI) scheme aims to boost local production of passenger cars, prioritising electric vehicles to drive sustainable manufacturing in India. It aims to draw investment from global EV manufacturers, which, in turn, boosts jobs and advances the Make-in-India vision. Speaking to ANI, Kumaraswamy said, “Tesla is only interested in opening a showroom till now. They want to sell their car in India. There is no further development about Tesla.”

The government-approved scheme gives the applicants the green signal to import electric four-wheeler Completely Built-in Units (CBUs) with a minimum $35,000 CIF value, enjoying a 15% customs duty reduction for five years post-approval, encouraging global manufacturers to invest. Approved applicants must invest at least Rs 4,150 crore, as required under the scheme’s guidelines.

EV scheme portal open until October 21

The minimum investment requirement of Rs 4,150 crore is aimed at creating a supportive policy environment that encourages top global and domestic players to establish long-term manufacturing operations in India. As per the ministry, the application portal will be open from 10:30 AM on 24 June 2025 and will remain accessible until 6:00 PM on 21 October 2025.