High import duties will make Tesla electric cars unaffordable in India, says Elon Musk

In recent times, Tesla’s Elon Musk has been vocal about the company’s plan to enter the Indian market. Recently, Elon Musk had publically announced his plans to enter the Indian market by 2020. However, now Elon Musk believes that the high import duties will make Tesla electric cars unaffordable in India.

It is worth mentioning here that Elon Musk regularly takes to Twitter to divulge important details about his company. While responding to a question related to Teslas’s entering to the Indian market on Twitter, Elon Musk said, "I'm told import duties are extremely high (up to 100 per cent), even for electric cars. This would make our cars unaffordable."

In another tweet, Musk said, "For other countries, we pay in part for the local factory by selling cars there ahead of time. Also, gives a sense of demand. Current rules in India prevent that, but recent changes in sales tax give hope for future changes."

In March this year, Musk had said that Tesla would definitely arrive in India by 2020. It is to be noted that Tesla electric vehicle (EV) range currently comprises of Model 3, Model S and Model X. The entry-level Tesla Model 3 is available in three trims i.e. Standard Plus, Long Range and Performance.

In the related news. Hyundai launched Kona electric SUV in India for a starting price of Rs 25.30 lakh (ex-showroom) in July this year. Interestingly, the automaker has received 120 confirmed bookings within 10 days of the launch.

At the end of this year, Audi will introduce e-tron in India. In December this year, MG will drive in EZS electric SUV in India.

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